Central representation of the hindlimb muscles supplied by the common peroneal nerve. A retrograde horseradish peroxidase study in the dog

Motoneurons supplying the common peroneal nerve in the dog were identified by the retrograde horseradish peroxidase method. They were distributed within two discrete cell columns (columns 2 and 2') in the 6th and 7th lumbar segments. The extensor digitorum longus muscle was represented in the dorsolateral part of column 2; the peroneus longus muscle in the ventrolateral part and the tibialis cranialis muscle in the intermediate lateral part. The medial half of column 2 contained motoneurons supplying the superficial peroneal nerve. Column 2', which was situated dorsomedially to column 2, contained motoneurons innervating the extensor digitorum brevis muscle.