• Source: Perineal nerve

The perineal nerve is a nerve of the pelvis. It arises from the pudendal nerve in the pudendal canal. It gives superficial branches to the skin, and a deep branch to muscles. It supplies the skin and muscles of the perineum. Its latency is tested with electrodes.




Structure


The perineal nerve is a branch of the pudendal nerve. It lies below the internal pudendal artery. It accompanies the perineal artery. It passes through the pudendal canal for around 2 or 3 cm. Whilst still in the canal, it divides into superficial branches and a deep branch. The superficial branches of the perineal nerve become the posterior scrotal nerves in men, and the posterior labial nerves in women. The deep branch of the perineal nerve (also known as the "muscular" branch) travels to the muscles of the perineum. Both of these are superficial to the dorsal nerve of the penis or the dorsal nerve of the clitoris.




Function


The perineal nerve supplies the skin and muscles of the perineum. The superficial branches supply sensation to the perineum, and the scrotum in men or the labia majora in women. The deep branch supplies superficial transverse perineal muscle, the bulbospongiosus muscle, the ischiocavernosus muscle, the bulb of penis, levator ani, and the external anal sphincter.




Clinical significance


The latency of the perineal nerve can be measured with electrodes. It is used to test nerve function.




Additional images











References


This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 968 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)




External links


Anatomy photo:41:10-0100 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The Female Perineum: The Perineal Nerve"
Anatomy image:9174 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Anatomy image:9187 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
figures/chapter_32/32-3.HTM: Basic Human Anatomy at Dartmouth Medical School

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Saraf pudendal
• Labia mayor
• Perineal nerve
• Perineum
• Dorsal nerve of the clitoris
• Perineal raphe
• Pudendal nerve
• Perineal
• Deep perineal pouch
• Transverse perineal muscles
• Pudendal nerve entrapment
• Vulva