Which nerve supplies the proximal plantar region?

The tibial nerve is indeed the correct choice when considering the innervation of the proximal plantar region of the foot. The tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, descends through the posterior compartment of the leg and enters the foot behind the medial malleolus.

Upon entering the foot, the tibial nerve divides into the medial and lateral plantar nerves, which supply the majority of the sensory and motor innervation to the plantar (underside) surface of the foot. While the medial and lateral plantar nerves provide more specific innervation to the areas of the foot, the proximal plantar region itself is primarily supplied by the tibial nerve before these branches split off.

Understanding this anatomical and functional relationship is crucial, as it highlights the role of the tibial nerve in providing not just sensory, but also motor innervation to the muscles in the foot, contributing to actions such as walking and maintaining balance.