Pudendal nerve

A crucial nerve responsible for sensation and motor function in the pelvic region.

The pudendal nerve is a major peripheral nerve of the pelvis, providing sensory and motor functions to various structures in the perineum. It arises from the sacral plexus, specifically from the S2, S3, and S4 spinal nerve roots. This nerve travels through the greater sciatic foramen and re-enters the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen, reaching the perineum. It innervates important areas, including the external genitalia, anal sphincter, and other pelvic floor muscles.

Terminologia Anatomica

nervus pudendus

System

Nervous system

Function

The primary functions of the pudendal nerve are sensory and motor in nature. Sensory fibers allow for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature from the skin in the perineal region, as well as the external genitalia. This nerve is vital for sexual function, as it transmits sensory signals that contribute to sexual arousal and orgasm. On the motor side, the pudendal nerve innervates muscles such as the external anal sphincter and the bulbospongiosus muscles, facilitating voluntary control over urination and defecation. Proper function of this nerve is essential for maintaining pelvic floor integrity and overall pelvic health.

Location

The pudendal nerve has a unique and intricate pathway within the body. It originates from the sacral plexus, located in the lower back region, specifically at the junction of the second, third, and fourth sacral vertebrae. After its formation, the nerve exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, located just below the sacroiliac joint. It then curves around the ischial spine and re-enters the pelvis via the lesser sciatic foramen. Once in the perineum, the pudendal nerve branches into several important terminal branches: the inferior rectal nerve, perineal nerve, and dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris. This specific routing allows the pudendal nerve to efficiently provide sensory and motor functions to the genital and anal regions.

Did You Know?

The pudendal nerve plays a significant role during childbirth, as it can become compressed, leading to temporary sensory changes in the perineal area.
Damage to the pudendal nerve may arise from pelvic surgeries, trauma, or childbirth, potentially causing urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
The pudendal nerve is often targeted in nerve block procedures aimed at pain relief during childbirth and certain surgical interventions in the pelvic region.