Which nerve supplies impulses to the skin on the outer side and back of the foot and leg?

• A. Sural nerve
• B. Common fibular nerve
• C. Tibial nerve
• D. Sciatic nerve

Answer: (A)

The sensation on the outer side of the foot and the back of the leg is carried by a cutaneous nerve that travels down the posterolateral aspect of the leg and toward the lateral foot. This nerve, known for supplying that specific skin area, bridges the two major innervation sources (tibial and common fibular) and ends up providing sensory input to the lateral malleolar region and the lateral edge of the foot. Because of its targeted distribution to the outer and posterior surfaces of the leg and foot, it best fits the described area.

The other nerves supply different regions: the common fibular nerve mainly reaches the anterior and lateral aspects of the leg and dorsum of the foot; the tibial nerve covers the posterior leg and the sole of the foot; the sciatic nerve is the big trunk that splits into those nerves and gives off many branches, but the specific skin area described aligns with the sural nerve’s territory.