Which set of structures passes through the greater sciatic foramen BELOW piriformis?
- A Superior gluteal nerve and vessels
- B Pudendal nerve, internal pudendal vessels, inferior gluteal nerve and vessels, sciatic nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve ✓
- C Lumbosacral trunk and iliolumbar artery
- D Obturator nerve and obturator vessels
Correct answer: B. Pudendal nerve, internal pudendal vessels, inferior gluteal nerve and vessels, sciatic nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
Explanation
Below piriformis emerge the sciatic nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, pudendal nerve, nerves to obturator internus and quadratus femoris, and the inferior gluteal and internal pudendal vessels. The superior gluteal neurovascular bundle passes above piriformis, making option A the classic trap. The lumbosacral trunk enters the pelvis over the sacral promontory, and the obturator nerve passes through the obturator foramen, not this route.
Reference: Snell's Clinical Anatomy by Regions, 10th ed.
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