What is the sciatic nerve?
The sciatic nerve is called the sciatic nerve. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the largest nerve in the body.
What it is
- The largest nerve in the body.
- About the width of a thumb at its origin.
- Supplies most of the muscles and skin of the lower limb.
Where it is
- Arises from the lower spinal nerves in the pelvis.
- Passes out through the greater sciatic notch of the hip bone.
- Runs down the back of the thigh and divides above the knee into the tibial and common peroneal nerves.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18
- Best Anatomy Answers is an educational reference about human anatomy. It is not medical advice — for any health concern, talk to a licensed medical professional.