Vesical nervous plexus

Vesical Nervous Plexus

The vesical nervous plexus is part of the autonomic nervous system that supplies the urinary bladder.

The Vesical Nervous Plexus is a network of nerves that innervates the urinary bladder. It is part of the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic nervous system, and plays a crucial role in the regulation of bladder function.

Anatomy

The vesical nervous plexus is derived from the inferior hypogastric plexus, which is formed by the union of the parasympathetic fibers from the pelvic splanchnic nerves and the sympathetic fibers from the lumbar splanchnic nerves. The vesical plexus extends along the inferior vesical artery to reach the bladder.

Function

The vesical nervous plexus is responsible for controlling the contraction of the detrusor muscle of the bladder and the relaxation of the urethral sphincter, thus facilitating urination. It also conveys sensory information from the bladder to the central nervous system, allowing for the perception of bladder fullness.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the vesical nervous plexus can result in urinary incontinence or urinary retention, depending on whether the damage affects the parasympathetic or sympathetic fibers. It can also lead to a loss of sensation of bladder fullness. Such damage can occur due to surgical procedures in the pelvis, such as hysterectomy or prostatectomy, or due to conditions like diabetes mellitus that can cause neuropathy.

See Also

• Inferior hypogastric plexus
• Urinary bladder
• Autonomic nervous system