Microanatomy of the Sciatic Nerve

Abstract

In this chapter, the author combines the established views of the ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve as an example of a combined peripheral nerve or bundle of nerves with newer concepts that have emerged only recently. The position and importance of the circumneural (paraneural) sheath and subcircumneural or subparaneural space are discussed, as well as the other membranes and compartments around a peripheral nerve, namely, the endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium, and epimysium. The subepimyseal space is discussed in the context of peripheral nerve block.

Keywords: Acute pain medicine, Axon, Circumneural sheath, Combined peripheral nerve, Continuous peripheral nerve block, Endoneurium, Epimysium, Fascia, Fascicles, Gliding apparatus, Microanatomy, Nerve axon, Paraneural sheath, Perineurium Epineurium, Peripheral nerve block, Regional anesthesia, Sciatic nerve, Subcircumneural space, Subepimyseal space, Subparaneural space, Ultrastructure.