The cavernous nerves are post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection and clitoral erection.[1] They arise from cell bodies in the inferior hypogastric plexus where they receive the pre-ganglionic pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4).
| Cavernous nerves of clitoris | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| From | Uterovaginal plexus |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervi cavernosi clitoridis |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
| Cavernous nerves of penis | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| From | Prostatic plexus |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervi cavernosi penis |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
In the penis, there are both lesser cavernous nerves and a greater cavernous nerve.
Clinical considerations
editThese nerves are susceptible to injury following prostatectomy or genital surgery.
Nerve-sparing prostatectomy was invented for surgeons to avoid injuring the nerves and causing erectile dysfunction complications. During surgery, a doctor may apply a small electrical stimulation to the nerve and measure the erectile function with a penile plethysmograph.[2] This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.[3]
References
edit- ^ Oakley, Susan H.; Mutema, George K.; Crisp, Catrina C.; Estanol, M. Victoria; Kleeman, Steven D.; Fellner, Angela N.; Pauls, Rachel N. (September 2013). "Innervation and histology of the clitoral-urethal complex: a cross-sectional cadaver study". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 10 (9): 2211–2218. doi:10.1111/jsm.12230. ISSN 1743-6109. PMID 23809460.
- ^ Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book, Avery, 2005
- ^ Blue Torch [1] December 2007