Which nerves innervate the great toe?

Which nerves innervate the great toe?

• A. Deep peroneal, posterior tibial, saphenous, sural
• B. Deep peroneal, posterior tibial, superficial peroneal, sural
• C. Deep peroneal, posterior tibial, superficial peroneal, and occasionally the saphenous nerve
• D. Deep peroneal, posterior tibial, saphenous, superficial peroneal

Answer: (C)

The great toe receives sensation from multiple nerves because both the dorsal and plantar surfaces contribute, plus possible medial input. The deep peroneal nerve provides sensation to the first dorsal web space between the hallux and the second toe, while the superficial peroneal nerve supplies most of the dorsum of the great toe. The plantar surface is innervated by branches of the posterior tibial nerve, specifically the medial plantar distribution that covers the plantar aspect of the great toe. In some individuals, the saphenous nerve can also contribute to sensation on the medial side of the hallux. Sural nerve fibers do not normally supply the great toe, which is why a combination including sural would be incorrect.

The great toe receives sensation from multiple nerves because both the dorsal and plantar surfaces contribute, plus possible medial input. The deep peroneal nerve provides sensation to the first dorsal web space between the hallux and the second toe, while the superficial peroneal nerve supplies most of the dorsum of the great toe. The plantar surface is innervated by branches of the posterior tibial nerve, specifically the medial plantar distribution that covers the plantar aspect of the great toe. In some individuals, the saphenous nerve can also contribute to sensation on the medial side of the hallux. Sural nerve fibers do not normally supply the great toe, which is why a combination including sural would be incorrect.