cavernous nerves
{{Infobox nerve
| Name = Cavernous nerves of clitoris
| Latin = nervi cavernosi clitoridis
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| BranchFrom = Uterovaginal plexus
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{{Infobox nerve
| Name = Cavernous nerves of penis
| Latin = nervi cavernosi penis
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| Innervates =
| BranchFrom = Prostatic plexus
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The cavernous nerves are post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection and clitoral erection.{{Cite journal|last=Oakley|first=Susan H.|last2=Mutema|first2=George K.|last3=Crisp|first3=Catrina C.|last4=Estanol|first4=M. Victoria|last5=Kleeman|first5=Steven D.|last6=Fellner|first6=Angela N.|last7=Pauls|first7=Rachel N.|date=September 2013|title=Innervation and histology of the clitoral-urethal complex: a cross-sectional cadaver study|journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine|volume=10|issue=9|pages=2211–2218|doi=10.1111/jsm.12230|issn=1743-6109|pmid=23809460}} They arise from cell bodies in the inferior hypogastric plexus where they receive the pre-ganglionic pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4).
In the penis, there are both lesser cavernous nerves and a greater cavernous nerve.
Clinical considerations
These nerves are susceptible to injury following prostatectomy or genital surgery.
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.Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book, Avery, 2005 This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.Blue Torch [http://www.bluetorchmed.com] December 2007
References
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External links
- [http://www.bartleby.com/107/ Gray's Anatomy, 1918 edition]
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