Cavernous nerves of penis
Encyclopedia
The cavernous nerves are post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection. They arise from cell bodies in the inferior hypogastric plexus
where they receive the pre-ganglionic pelvic splanchnic nerves
(S2-S4).
There are both lesser cavernous nerves and a greater cavernous nerve.
.
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
. This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.
Inferior hypogastric plexus
The inferior hypogastric plexus is a plexus of nerves that supplies the viscera of the pelvic cavity.The inferior hypogastric plexus is a paired structure, with each situated on the side of the rectum in the male, and at the sides of the rectum and vagina in the female.-Sources:Contributions to...
where they receive the pre-ganglionic pelvic splanchnic nerves
Pelvic splanchnic nerves
Pelvic splanchnic nerves or nervi erigentes are splanchnic nerves that arise from sacral spinal nerves S2, S3, S4 to provide parasympathetic innervation to the hindgut.-Structure:...
(S2-S4).
There are both lesser cavernous nerves and a greater cavernous nerve.
Clinical considerations
These nerves are susceptible to injury following prostatectomyProstatectomy
A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland. Abnormalities of the prostate, such as a tumour, or if the gland itself becomes enlarged for any reason, can restrict the normal flow of urine along the urethra....
.
Nerve-Sparing
Nerve-sparing surgery
Nerve-sparing surgery is a type of surgery that attempts to save the nerves near the tissues being removed.It is commonly applied in radical retropubic prostatectomy where surgeons may visually identify the cavernous nerves of penis or apply an electrical stimulation penile plethysmograph...
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
Penile plethysmograph
Penile plethysmography , or "phallometry", refers to measurement of bloodflow to the male genital. The most commonly reported methods of conducting penile plethysmography involve the measurement of the circumference of the penis with a mercury-in-rubber strain gauge, or the volume of the penis with...
. This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.