Saphenous Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The saphenous nerve is a cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve in the lower limb. It supplies innervation to the skin of the medial knee, leg, and foot. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The saphenous nerve arises from the posterior division of the femoral nerve at the level of the mid-thigh. It accompanies the femoral artery within the adductor canal (a muscular tunnel located in the thigh). At the end of the canal, the adductor hiatus, the saphenous nerve pierces the fascia between the sartorius and gracilis muscles on the medial aspect of the knee. It then travels superficially along the medial side of the leg (accompanied by the long saphenous vein) – supplying the skin on the medial aspect of the knee, leg, and foot. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1 Anatomical course of the femoral nerve and its two cutaneous branches – anterior cutaneous fibres and saphenous nerve. Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas Medial aspect of the leg, demonstrating the long saphenous vein and saphenous nerve. Medial aspect of the leg, demonstrating the long saphenous vein and saphenous nerve. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Sensory Functions The saphenous nerve supplies cutaneous innervation to the skin of the anteromedial knee, leg and foot. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The cutaneous innervation of the branches of the femoral nerve. Frequent questions What is the saphenous nerve? The saphenous nerve is a sensory branch of the femoral nerve that innervates the skin on the medial aspects of the knee, leg, and foot. It plays a crucial role in providing cutaneous sensation in these areas. Where does the saphenous nerve originate? The saphenous nerve originates from the posterior division of the femoral nerve at the mid-thigh level. It then travels through the adductor canal alongside the femoral artery. What is the course of the saphenous nerve in the thigh? The saphenous nerve runs through the adductor canal and exits at the adductor hiatus, where it pierces the fascia between the sartorius and gracilis muscles. After this point, it follows a superficial path along the medial side of the leg. Which areas of the body does the saphenous nerve supply? The saphenous nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the anteromedial knee, leg, and foot. This includes the regions that require cutaneous sensation for proper function and protection. What is the clinical significance of the saphenous nerve? The saphenous nerve is important for sensory perception in the medial knee, leg, and foot, making it relevant in conditions affecting these areas. Injury or compression of this nerve can lead to sensory deficits or pain in its distribution region. Rate This Article