Piriformis nerve explained

Piriformis nerve
Latin:	nervus musculi piriformis
Innervates:	Piriformis muscle
Branchfrom:	Sacral plexus (S1–S2)

The piriformis nerve, also known as the nerve to piriformis, is the peripheral nerve that provides motor innervation to the piriformis muscle.

Structure

Origin

The nerve to piriformis is a branch of the sacral plexus. It (typically^[1]) arises from the posterior divisions/branches of anterior rami of S1 and S2.^[2]

Course

It enters the anterior surface of the piriformis muscle.

Variation

Origin

It may sometimes arise from the anterior ramus of S2 only.

Number

It may be doubled. An additional branch may arise from the superior gluteal nerve.

Distribution

The piriformis nerve innervates the piriformis muscle.

See also

• Piriformis
• Sacral plexus

References

1. Book: Apaydin, Nihal . Nerves and Nerve Injuries . . 2015 . 978-0-12-410390-0 . 1: History, Embryology, Anatomy, Imaging, and Diagnostics . 634 . Chapter 47 - Variations of the Lumbar and Sacral Plexuses and Their Branches . 10.1016/B978-0-12-410390-0.00049-4 . https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124103900000494.
2. Book: Khan. Dost. Essentials of Pain Medicine. Nelson. Ariana. Elsevier. 2018. 978-0-323-40196-8. 613–618. en. 67 - Piriformis Syndrome. 10.1016/B978-0-323-40196-8.00067-X.

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