The sciatic nerve moves caudal to which bony landmark?

• A. Greater trochanter
• B. Stifle
• C. Fibular head
• D. Tibia

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the sciatic nerve runs in the hind limb relative to surface landmarks. As the nerve leaves the pelvis and enters the thigh, its pathway is just behind the hip region, lying caudal to the greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is a prominent proximal landmark on the femur, so saying the nerve is caudal to it describes its proximal course accurately. Down closer to the knee—the stifle—the fibular head, or the tibia—the nerve has already moved distally and branches, so those landmarks aren’t the points it sits behind in its initial course. Therefore, the nerve’s relationship is best described as caudal to the greater trochanter.