Where is the sciatic nerve located?

• A. In the middle and superficial gluteal muscles and moves cranial to the greater trochanter
• B. In the cranial thigh between the quadriceps and hamstrings
• C. Middle and deep gluteal muscles and moves caudal to greater trochanter
• D. Along the ventral aspect of the pelvis

Answer: (C)

The sciatic nerve runs from the pelvis into the thigh by descending through the gluteal region, staying deep to the gluteal muscles. In that region it lies between the middle gluteal and deep gluteal muscles and passes caudal to the greater trochanter as it enters the thigh. This placement explains why the nerve is not found in the superficial gluteal layer or in the cranial thigh, and why it moves caudally rather than cranially or ventrally in the pelvis.