Cavernous nerves
| Cavernous nerves of penis | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| From | prostatic plexus |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervi cavernosi penis |
| Dorlands /Elsevier |
n_05/12565353 |
| TA | A14.3.03.056M |
| FMA | 75477 |
|
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy
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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.
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. This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.
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