Which nerve supplies sensation to the posterolateral aspect of the lower leg and the lateral aspect of the foot?

• A. Sural nerve
• B. Lateral plantar nerve
• C. Common fibular nerve
• D. Saphenous nerve

Answer: (A)

Sensation to the posterolateral aspect of the lower leg and the lateral aspect of the foot is provided by the sural nerve. This cutaneous nerve, formed from branches of the tibial and common fibular nerves, travels down the posterolateral leg and around the lateral malleolus to reach the lateral edge of the foot. Its distribution matches the region described, making it the nerve responsible for sensation there. Other nerves tend to cover different regions: for example, the lateral plantar nerve serves the lateral sole, the saphenous nerve covers the medial leg and foot, and the common fibular nerve primarily supplies the anterolateral leg and dorsum of the foot.