ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site sciatic nerve A large nerve – one of the longest and strongest (capable of suspending 400 pounds) in the human body. The sciatic nerve originates at the lower end of the spinal cord and runs down the middle of the back of the thigh to divide a few centimeters above the knee, the lateral peroneal division winding round the neck of the fibula to the front of the leg. When the sciatic nerve becomes injured, inflamed, or infected, it may cause severe pain, known as sciatica, in the back of the thighs and the legs. In severe cases, sciatica can cause loss of leg reflexes or the wasting of muscles in one or both calves. Related category    • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP