Pudendal nerve
Pudendal Nerve
The Pudendal Nerve (/pjuːˈdɛnəl/; from Latin pudendum, meaning "shame") is one of the main nerves in the pelvis.
Anatomy
The pudendal nerve is the primary nerve of the perineum. It carries sensation from the external genitalia of both sexes and the skin around the anus and perineum, as well the motor supply to various pelvic muscles, including the male or female external urethral sphincter and the external anal sphincter.
Origin
The pudendal nerve is paired, meaning there are two nerves, one on the left and one on the right side of the body. Each is formed as three sacral spinal nerves (S2, S3, and S4) exit the sacrum, join in the pelvic cavity, and form the pudendal nerve.
Function
The pudendal nerve has both motor and sensory functions. It does not carry parasympathetic fibers but it does carry sympathetic fibers.
Clinical Significance
Damage to the pudendal nerve can lead to incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Pudendal nerve entrapment, also known as Alcock canal syndrome, is very rare and has symptoms such as pain in the perineum and sexual problems.
See Also
References
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pudendal nerve
- Wikipedia's article - Pudendal nerve
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