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  9. Nerves of the Pelvis and Perineum

Nerves of the Pelvis and Perineum

NerveSourceBranchesMotorSensoryNotes
anococcygeal n.coccygeal plexus (S4-C1)no named branchesnoneskin overlying the coccyxanococcygeal n. pierces the sacrotuberous ligament
anterior labial n.ilioinguinal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the anterior aspect of the labium majuscommunicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.
anterior scrotal n.anterior cutaneous br. of the ilioinguinal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the anterior aspect of the scrotumanterior scrotal n. is the continuation of the ilioinguinal n. at the superficial inguinal ring; it communicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.
coccygeal plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves S4, S5, C1anococcygeal n.noneskin of the region overlying the coccyxonly part of the S4 ventral primary ramus is contributed to the coccygeal plexus
coccygeus m., n. tosacral plexus (brs. of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S3-S4)no named branchescoccygeus m., levator ani m.nonenerve to coccygeus enters the muscle on its pelvic surface
dorsal n., of the clitorispudendal n.no named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the shaft of the clitoristhe terminal branch of the pudendal n.
dorsal n., of the penispudendal n.no named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the shaft of the penisthe terminal branch of the pudendal n.
femoral cutaneous, laterallumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L3)anterior & posterior brs.sympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the lateral thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin
femoral n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4)anterior femoral cutaneous brs., nn. to: sartorius m., rectus femoris m., vastus lateralis m., vastus intermedius m., vastus medialis m., pectineus m.sartorius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, pectineusskin of anterior thighpasses under inguinal ligament lateral to femoral a.
ganglion, inferior mesentericpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the second lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one
genitofemoral n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L2)genital br., femoral br.cremaster m.skin of the anterior scrotum/labia majora & upper medial thighgenitofemoral n. lies on the anterior surface of the psoas major in the abdomen; the genital br. passes through the deep inguinal ring and inguinal canal; brushing the thigh elicits an elevation of the testis via the cremasteric reflex
gluteal, inferiorsacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5, S1-S2)no named branchesgluteus maximus m.noneinferior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis m.
gluteal, superiorsacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5, S1)superior & inferior brs.gluteus medius m., gluteus minimus m., tensor fasciae latae m. nonesuperior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis m.
hypogastric n.superior hypogastric plexusinferior hypogastric plexussupplies vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscerapaired; hypogastric n. lies inferior to the common iliac vessels; it contains postganglionic sympathetic axons
hypogastric plexus, inferiorhypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons);
pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)
contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerainferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall
hypogastric plexus, superiorintermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons)hypogastric nn. (right and left)vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerasuperior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim
iliohypogastric n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)lateral and anterior cutaneous brs.muscles of the lower abdominal wallskin of the lower abdominal wall, upper hip and upper thighiliohypogastric n. receives a contribution from T12 in approximately 50% of cases
ilioinguinal n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)anterior cutaneous br. (also known as: anterior labial/scrotal n.)muscles of the lower abdominal wallskin of the lower abdominal wall and anterior scrotum/labium majusilioinguinal n. courses through the inguinal canal and superficial inguinal ring
inferior hypogastric plexushypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerainferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall
inferior mesenteric ganglion preganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the second lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one
inferior mesenteric plexus intermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall
inferior rectal n.pudendal n.no named branchesexternal anal sphincterskin of the anusinferior rectal nerve is one of the first branches of the pudendal n.
intermesenteric plexuslumbar splanchnic nn. 1 and 2 renal, testicular (or ovarian) and ureteric brs.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the gut distal to the left colic flexurepain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumintermesenteric plexus is continuous with the superior mesenteric plexus; it continues inferiorly as the inferior mesenteric plexus and superior hypogastric plexus; intermesenteric plexus does not carry vagal parasympathetic fibers; located anterior to the abdominal aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric
aa.
labial, anteriorilioinguinal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the anterior aspect of the labium majuscommunicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.
labial, posteriorperineal n. (a branch of the pudendal n.)no named branchesnoneskin of the posterior aspect of the labium majuscommunicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n.
lateral femoral cutaneous n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L3)anterior & posterior brs.sympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the lateral thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin
lumbar n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L5contributes to the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexusesnumerous: see lumbar and sacral plexusesnumerous: see lumbar and sacral plexuseslumbar nn. enter into the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses and do not give branches directly to muscles or skin
lumbar plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4branches of the lumbar plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hipskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hiplumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal wall
lumbar splanchnic nn.lumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4no named branches smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic viscerapain from abdominal and pelvic viscerasympathetic nerves; there are four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac, superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric)
lumbosacral plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4branches of the lumbosacral plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m., superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to the obturator internus m., n. to the quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to the piriformis m., posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip, muscles of the pelvic & urogenital diaphragm, posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hip' skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and footalso known as: lumbar & sacral plexuses
lumbosacral trunk part of the ventral primary ramus of L4 united with the ventral primary ramus of L5no named branches; it contributes to the formation of the sacral plexusmuscles of the hip and posterior thighsee sacral plexusthe lumbosacral trunk is not considered to be part of the lumbar plexus
mesenteric ganglion, inferiorpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the second lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one
mesenteric plexus, inferiorintermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall
obturator n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4)anterior and posterior brs.muscles of the medial thigh: adductor longus m., adductor brevis m. and adductor magnus m., gracilis m., obturator externus m.skin of the lower medial thighobturator n. passes through the obturator canal
obturator internus m., n. tosacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5-S2 ) n. to the superior gemellus m.obturator internus m., superior gemellus m.nonenerve to obturator internus m. crosses the ischial spine and enters the ischioanal fossa by passing through the lesser sciatic foramen
pelvic splanchnic n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (cell bodies are located in the lateral horn gray of the sacral spinal cord)unnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexussmooth muscle and glands of the gut distal to the left colic flexure; smooth muscle and glands of all pelvic visceranoneparasympathetic nerves; these contain preganglionic parasympathetic axons
perforating cutaneous n.sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-3)no named branchesnoneskin of the inferomedial buttockperforating cutaneous n. pierces the sacrotuberous ligament
perineal n.pudendalposterior scrotal/labial n., deep (muscular) br.muscles of the perineum: bulbospongiosus m., ischiocavernosus m., superficial and deep transverse perineus mm., sphincter urethrae m., sphincter urethrovaginalis, compressor urethraeskin of the posterior surface of the scrotum/labium majusperineal n.branches from the pudendal n. at the posterior margin of the urogenital diaphragm
plexus, coccygealventral primary rami of spinal nerves S4, S5, C1anococcygeal n.noneskin of the region overlying the coccyxonly part of the S4 ventral primary ramus is contributed to the coccygeal plexus
plexus, inferior hypogastrichypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerainferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall
plexus, inferior mesentericintermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall
plexus, intermesentericlumbar splanchnic nn. 1 and 2 renal, testicular (or ovarian) and ureteric brs.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the gut distal to the left colic flexurepain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumintermesenteric plexus is continuous with the superior mesenteric plexus; it continues inferiorly as the inferior mesenteric plexus and superior hypogastric plexus; intermesenteric plexus does not carry vagal parasympathetic fibers; located anterior to the abdominal aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric
aa.
plexus, lumbarventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4branches of the lumbar plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hipskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hiplumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal wall
plexus, lumbosacralventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4branches of the lumbosacral plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m., superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to the obturator internus m., n. to the quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to the piriformis m., posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip, muscles of the pelvic & urogenital diaphragm, posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hip' skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and footalso known as: lumbar & sacral plexuses
plexus, prostaticinferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexusis continuous with the rectal and vesical plexusessympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the urethra, prostate gland and ejaculatory ducts; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urethra, prostate gland, and ejaculatory ductspain from the pelvic viscera listed at leftthe autonomic nerve plexuses of the pelvis (prostatic, rectal and vesical in the male; rectal and uterovaginal in the female) are in communication with each other
plexus, rectalinferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus, posterior partno named branchessympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectum; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectumpain and general sensation from the rectumrectal plexus is continuous with the vesical plexus in the male, uterovaginal plexus in the female
plexus, sacrallumbosacral trunk (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5), ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S4superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to obturator internus m., n. to quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to piriformis, posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the pelvic diaphragm; muscles of the urogenital diaphragm; muscles of the posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and foot (excluding the medial side of the leg and foot)the sacral plexus is often grouped with the lumbar plexus as the "lumbosacral plexus"
plexus, superior hypogastricintermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons)hypogastric nn. (right and left)vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerasuperior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim
plexus, uterovaginal inferior hypogastric plexuscontinuous with the rectal plexussympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the uterus, uterine tubes and vagina; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of pelvic viscera, especially uterus, uterine tubes and vaginapain from the pelvic viscera listed at leftthe uterovaginal plexus is a subsidiary plexus of the inferior hypogastric plexus
plexus, vesicalinferior hypogastric plexuscontinuous with the prostatic plexussympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus deferens and ejaculatory duct; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus deferens and ejaculatory ductpain and general sensation from the bladder, seminal vesicle and ductus deferensvesical plexus is continuous with the other autonomic nerve plexuses in the pelvis and cannot be distinguished from them
posterior femoral cutaneous n.sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S3)inferior cluneal nn.; perineal br.sympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the lower buttock & posterior thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin
posterior labial n.perineal n. (a branch of the pudendal n.)no named branchesnoneskin of the posterior aspect of the labium majuscommunicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n.
posterior scrotal n.perineal n., from the pudendal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the posterior aspect of the scrotumposterior scrotal n. communicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n.
prostatic plexusinferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexusis continuous with the rectal and vesical plexusessympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the urethra, prostate gland and ejaculatory ducts; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urethra, prostate gland, and ejaculatory ductspain from the pelvic viscera listed at leftthe autonomic nerve plexuses of the pelvis (prostatic, rectal and vesical in the male; rectal and uterovaginal in the female) are in communication with each other
pudendal n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (sacral plexus)inferior rectal n., perineal n., dorsal n. of the clitoris/penisits branches supply: external anal sphincter, bulbospongiosus m., ischiocavernosus m., superficial & deep transverse perineus mm., sphincter urethrae m., sphincter urethrovaginalis, compressor urethraeits branches supply: skin of the anus, posterior scrotum/labium majus, clitoris/penispudendal n. passes through the pudendal canal formed by fascia on the medial surface of the obturator internus m.
quadratus femoris m., n. tosacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5, S1)n. to the inferior gemellus m.quadratus femoris m., inferior gemellus m.nonenerve to the quadratus femoris m. passes anterior to the obturator internus tendon
ramus communicans, graycell bodies located in the sympathetic chain ganglianonecarries postganglionic sympathetic axons to the spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc.none gray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all vertebral levels
ramus communicans, whitecell bodies located in the lateral horn gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2; noneaxons contained within white rami communicantes will synapse on postganglionic cell bodies that will ultimately innervate the skin, viscera, glands, blood vessels, etc.pain from viscera is carried back to the spinal cord through the white ramus communicanswhite rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at vertebral levels T1-L2; carries preganglionic sympathetic axons
rectal plexusinferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus, posterior partno named branchessympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectum; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectumpain and general sensation from the rectumrectal plexus is continuous with the vesical plexus in the male, uterovaginal plexus in the female
rectal, inferiorpudendal n.no named branchesexternal anal sphincterskin of the anusinferior rectal nerve is one of the first branches of the pudendal n.
sacral plexuslumbosacral trunk (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5), ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S4superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to obturator internus m., n. to quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to piriformis, posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the pelvic diaphragm; muscles of the urogenital diaphragm; muscles of the posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and foot (excluding the medial side of the leg and foot)the sacral plexus is often grouped with the lumbar plexus as the "lumbosacral plexus"
sacral splanchnic n.sacral sympathetic gangliaunnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexusvascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscerasacral splanchnic nn. contain both preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers with postganglionic fibers predominating in number
sciatic n.sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5 and S1-S3)tibial n., common fibular (peroneal) n.semitendinosus m., semimembranosus m., biceps femoris m., ischioconylar part of the adductor magnus m.; its branches supply all muscles of the leg and footits branches supply the skin of the leg and foot (excluding the medial side of leg & foot)sciatic n. is composed of tibial and common fibular divisions; branches to muscles come from one of the two divisions, so that the sciatic n. is considered to have no direct muscular brs., only 2 terminal brs.
scrotal, anterioranterior cutaneous br. of the ilioinguinal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the anterior aspect of the scrotumanterior scrotal n. is the continuation of the ilioinguinal n. at the superficial inguinal ring; it communicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.
scrotal, posteriorperineal n., from the pudendal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the posterior aspect of the scrotumposterior scrotal n. communicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n.
splanchnic, lumbarlumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4no named branches smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic viscerapain from abdominal and pelvic viscerasympathetic nerves; there are four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac, superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric)
splanchnic, pelvicventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (cell bodies are located in the lateral horn gray of the sacral spinal cord)unnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexussmooth muscle and glands of the gut distal to the left colic flexure; smooth muscle and glands of all pelvic visceranoneparasympathetic nerves; these contain preganglionic parasympathetic axons
splanchnic, sacralsacral sympathetic gangliaunnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexusvascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscerasacral splanchnic nn. contain both preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers with postganglionic fibers predominating in number
subcostal n.ventral primary ramus of T12lateral cutaneous br., anterior cutaneous br.muscles of the abdominal wallskin of the anterolateral abdominal wallthe subcostal n. is equivalent to a posterior intercostal n. found at higher thoracic levels
superior hypogastric plexusintermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons)hypogastric nn. (right and left)vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerasuperior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim
sympathetic chain gangliapreganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-L2postganglionic sympathetic fibers depart via gray rami communicantes to all spinal nn.; internal & external carotid nn.; cervical cardiac brs.; thoracic direct visceral brs.; greater, lesser & least thoracic splanchnic nn.; lumbar splanchnic nn.; sacral splanchnic nn.dilator pupillae, vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands, suprarenal medulla, heart, lungs and gut pain from visceralocated lateral to the vertebral bodies in the neck, thorax & abdominopelvic cavity; the ganglia plus their interconnecting fibers are also known as the sympathetic trunk; preganglionic cell bodies are located in the intermediolateral gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2
to coccygeus m.sacral plexus (brs. of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S3-S4)no named branchescoccygeus m., levator ani m.nonenerve to coccygeus enters the muscle on its pelvic surface
uterovaginal plexusinferior hypogastric plexuscontinuous with the rectal plexussympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the uterus, uterine tubes and vagina; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of pelvic viscera, especially uterus, uterine tubes and vaginapain from the pelvic viscera listed at leftthe uterovaginal plexus is a subsidiary plexus of the inferior hypogastric plexus
vesical plexusinferior hypogastric plexuscontinuous with the prostatic plexussympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus deferens and ejaculatory duct; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus deferens and ejaculatory ductpain and general sensation from the bladder, seminal vesicle and ductus deferensvesical plexus is continuous with the other autonomic nerve plexuses in the pelvis and cannot be distinguished from them
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