Focused gluteal region dissection on the human sciatic nerve

Abstract

Dissection provides an understanding of human anatomy that is difficult to achieve solely with the use of textbooks. The knowledge obtained from anatomical dissection has allowed medical practitioners the ability to understand the anatomy that forms that basis of a particular clinical presentation, and more effectively treat the condition. These conditions include piriformis syndrome and sciatica. Clinical conditions may also arise due to anatomical variations which are rare presentations, absences, or arrangements of structures. The ultimate goal of the dissection in this report was to discern the pathway of the sciatic nerve and its divisions. In this report, the dissection of the gluteal region of a left leg from a female cadaver is detailed. The findings reveal two anatomical variations, a high division of the sciatic nerve and a muscular slip lateral to the long head of the biceps femoris. Additional research is needed to determine the implications of these anatomical variations in the clinical context. This prosection will be an important educational resource for future students, and could not have been possible without the generous donors.