The 'pudendal nerve' is a
nerve in the pelvic region that innervates the external genitalia of both sexes, as well as sphincters for the
bladder and the
rectum.
Anatomy
The pudendal nerve originates in the
sacral plexus; it derives its fibers from the ventral branches of the second, third, and fourth sacral nerves (S2, S3, S4).
It passes between the
piriformis and
coccygeus muscles and leaves the pelvis through the lower part of the
greater sciatic foramen.
It crosses the spine of the
ischium, and reenters the
pelvis through the
lesser sciatic foramen.
It accompanies the internal pudendal vessels upward and forward along the lateral wall of the
ischiorectal fossa, being contained in a sheath of the
obturator fascia termed the
pudendal canal.
The pudendal nerve gives off the
inferior anal nerves. It soon divides into two terminal branches: the
perineal nerve, and the
dorsal nerve of the penis (males) or the
dorsal nerve of the clitoris (in females).
Physiology
The pudendal nerve innervates the
penis and
clitoris,
bulbospongiosus and
ischiocavernosus muscles, and areas around the
scrotum,
perineum, and
anus. At sexual climax, the
spasms in the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernous results in
ejaculation in the male and most of the feelings of
orgasm in both sexes.
Pathology
Difficult
childbirth or
bicycling can compress or stretch the pudendal nerve, causing temporary loss of function, but permanent injury is rare. Entrapment of the nerve is very rare but can happen. A pelvic tumor (most notably a large
sacrococcygeal teratoma), or surgery to remove the tumor, can damage this nerve permanently.
Additional images
See also
Neurogenic bladder
External links
★ - "Inferior view of female perineum, branches of the internal pudendal artery."
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www.pudendal.com
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Pudendal nerve entrapment at chronicprostatitis.com
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