Lesser Sciatic Notch

Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 13 December 2020

Lesser Sciatic Notch

The structure indicated is the lesser sciatic notch.

The lesser sciatic notch lies below the ischial spine, and is converted into the lesser sciatic foramen by the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments.

The greater sciatic notch lies between the ischial spine (inferiorly) and the posterior inferior iliac spine (superiorly). The sacrospinous ligament which attaches from the ischial spine to the lateral aspect of the sacrum and coccyx converts the greater sciatic notch into the greater sciatic foramen.

The following structures pass through the lesser sciatic foramen:

  • Tendon of obturator internus
  • Nerve to obturator internus
  • Internal pudendal vessels
  • Pudendal nerve

Learn about the bones of the pelvis in this anatomy tutorial.