Cavernous nerves of penis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Nerve: Cavernous nerves of penis | |
|---|---|
| Latin | nervi cavernosi penis |
| Gray's | subject #220 989 |
| From | prostatic plexus |
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.
[edit] Clinical considerations
These nerves are susceptible to injury following prostatectomy.
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.[1] This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.[2]
