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The cavernous nerves are post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection and clitoral erection. 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. This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.

References

1. Oakley, Susan H.; Mutema, George K.; Crisp, Catrina C.; Estanol, M. Victoria; Kleeman, Steven D.; Fellner, Angela N.; Pauls, Rachel N. (September 2013). "Innervation and histology of the clitoral-urethal complex: a cross-sectional cadaver study". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 10 (9): 2211–2218. doi:10.1111/jsm.12230. ISSN 1743-6109. PMID 23809460.
2. Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book, Avery, 2005
3. Blue Torch December 2007

External links

• Gray's Anatomy, 1918 edition

• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Human penis anatomy