Pudendal nerve

Pudendal Nerve

The Pudendal Nerve is a major nerve in the pelvis that supplies areas of the lower body including the anus, perineum, and genitalia. It is derived from the sacral plexus, specifically the S2, S3, and S4 nerves.

Anatomy

The pudendal nerve originates from the sacral plexus, which is a network of nerves in the pelvis. It then travels through the Alcock's canal, a pathway in the pelvis, before branching off to supply various areas of the lower body.

Branches

The pudendal nerve has three main branches:

• Inferior rectal nerve: This branch supplies the anus and the skin around it.
• Perineal nerve: This branch supplies the perineum, the area between the anus and the genitals.
• Dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris: This branch supplies the penis in males and the clitoris in females.

Function

The pudendal nerve has both sensory and motor functions. It provides sensation to the genitals, the skin around the anus, and the perineum. It also controls the muscles that help in urination and defecation.

Clinical significance

Damage to the pudendal nerve can lead to a variety of conditions, including pudendal neuralgia, a type of chronic pelvic pain. Other conditions that can result from pudendal nerve damage include sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence.

See also

• Nervous system
• Pelvic floor
• Sacral plexus

References

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  Diagram of the pudendal nerve

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  Nerves innervating the urinary system

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  Anatomy of the sacral plexus

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  Illustration of saddle anesthesia

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  CT image guided injection of the pudendal nerve

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  Anatomy of the perineum

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  Pudendal nerve anatomy from Grant's Atlas

• Detailed view of the pudendal nerve from Grant's Atlas