430 



POSTERIOR TIBIAL NERVE. 



formed by the two bellies of that muscle ; at a variable distance below 

 the articulation of the knee it receives a large branch, the communicans 

 peronei, from the peroneal nerve, and the two together constitute the ex- 

 ternal saphenous nerve. 



The External saphenous nerve pierces the deep fascia below the fleshy 

 part of the gastrocnemius muscle, and continues its course down the leg, 

 lying along the outer border of the tendo Achillis and by the side of the 

 external saphenous vein, which it accompanies to the foot. At the lower 

 part of the leg it winds around the outer malleolus, and is distributed to 

 the outer side of the foot and little toe, communicating with the external 

 peroneal cutaneous nerve, and sending numerous filaments to the integu 

 ment of the heel and sole of the foot. 



Fig. 192* 



Fig. 193.f 



The POSTERIOR TIBIAL NERVE is continued along the posterior aspect 

 nf the leg from the lower border of the popliteus muscle to the posterior 

 part of the inner ankle, where it divides into the internal and external 

 plantar nerve. In the upper part of its course it lies to the outer side of 



* A view of some of the branches of the popliteal nerve. 1. The popliteal nerve. 

 2. 3. The terminations of the ramus femoralis cutaneus posterior. 4, 5. The saphenous 

 nerve. 6, 6. The external saphenous or communicans tibiae. 



J A view of the posterior tibial nerve in the back of the leg. 1 and 2, indicate it* 

 course, the upper part of the peroneal nerve being seen to the right. 



