Perineal nerve
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The perineal nerve is a nerve of the pelvis. It arises from the pudendal nerve in the pudendal canal. It gives superficial branches to the skin, and a deep branch to muscles. It supplies the skin and muscles of the perineum. Its latency is tested with electrodes.
Structure
The perineal nerve is a branch of the pudendal nerve.[1][2] It lies below the internal pudendal artery. It accompanies the perineal artery. It passes through the pudendal canal for around 2 or 3 cm.[1][2] Whilst still in the canal, it divides into superficial branches and a deep branch.[1] The superficial branches of the perineal nerve become the posterior scrotal nerves in men,[3] and the posterior labial nerves in women.[1] The deep branch of the perineal nerve (also known as the "muscular" branch) travels to the muscles of the perineum.[1] Both of these are superficial to the dorsal nerve of the penis or the dorsal nerve of the clitoris.[4]
Function
The perineal nerve supplies the skin and muscles of the perineum.[1] The superficial branches supply sensation to the perineum, and the scrotum in men or the labia majora in women.[1] The deep branch supplies superficial transverse perineal muscle, the bulbospongiosus muscle, the ischiocavernosus muscle, the bulb of penis, levator ani, and the external anal sphincter.[1]
Clinical significance
The latency of the perineal nerve can be measured with electrodes.[5] It is used to test nerve function.[5]
Additional images
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Sacral plexus of the right side. (Perineal nerve visible at center right.)
References
Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from Template:Wikidatathe 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
External links
- Anatomy photo:41:10-0100 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The Female Perineum: The Perineal Nerve"
- Anatomy image:9174 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Anatomy image:9187 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- figures/chapter_32/32-3.HTM: Basic Human Anatomy at Dartmouth Medical School
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