Pudendalnerveineen

Pudendalnerveineen refers to the pudendal nerve and its anatomical course within the pelvis. The pudendal nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it contains both sensory and motor fibers. It originates from the sacral plexus, specifically from spinal nerve roots S2, S3, and S4. It travels through the pelvic cavity and plays a crucial role in innervating the structures of the perineum, which is the region between the anus and the genitals.

The pudendal nerve exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, then curves around the ischial spine and re-enters the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen. It then passes through the pudendal canal, also known as Alcock's canal, which is a fascial sheath located along the medial aspect of the obturator internus muscle. Within this canal, the nerve branches to supply its target organs.

Its primary branches include the inferior rectal nerves, which supply the external anal sphincter and the skin around the anus; the perineal nerves, which innervate the muscles of the perineum, including the bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, and superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, as well as the skin of the scrotum or labia; and the dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris, which provides sensory innervation to the glans penis or clitoris.

Dysfunction of the pudendal nerve, known as pudendal neuralgia or pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome, can lead to various symptoms, including pain, numbness, burning sensations, or altered sensation in the pelvic, genital, and anal regions. These symptoms can be exacerbated by sitting. Pudendal nerve involvement is essential for voluntary control of the external anal sphincter and is also critical for sexual function, contributing to arousal and orgasm.

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