Cavernous nerves of penis

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.

Clinical considerations

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.^[1] This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.^[2]

References

1. ↑ Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book, Avery, 2005
2. ↑ Blue Torch December 2007

Gray's Anatomy, 1918 edition