What part of the lower extremity does the sural nerve supply?

The sural nerve is primarily responsible for sensory innervation to the posterior and part of the lateral aspect of the lower leg and the lateral side of the foot. It is formed by contributions from the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve, specifically branching in a pattern that allows it to provide sensation.

In particular, the sural nerve runs down the posterior aspect of the leg before it terminates around the lateral side of the foot. This makes the lateral aspect of the leg the correct choice in this context, as the sural nerve supplies sensation in that area. Understanding the precise pathway and innervation territory of the sural nerve is critical for clinical assessments related to sensory loss or nerve injuries in this region.

Other options describe areas supplied by different nerves; for instance, the anteromedial aspect of the leg is primarily innervated by the saphenous nerve and the superficial fibular nerve. The posterior aspect of the thigh is supplied mainly by branches of the sciatic nerve, while the medial aspect of the foot receives innervation from the medial plantar nerve, a branch of the tibial nerve. Recognizing these innervation patterns is essential for diagnosing lower extremity nerve issues effectively.