Inferior hypogastric plexus

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The inferior hypogastric plexus (pelvic plexus in some texts) is a plexus of nerves that supplies the viscera of the pelvic cavity.

The inferior hypogastric plexus is a paired structure, with each situated on the side of the rectum in the male, and at the sides of the rectum and vagina in the female.

Video Inferior hypogastric plexus

Sources

Contributions to the plexus include:

• a continuation of the superior hypogastric plexus on either side, in the form of the hypogastric nerve.
• sacral splanchnic nerves, which emerge from the sympathetic trunk.
• pelvic splanchnic nerves (from the second, third, and fourth sacral nerves) also contribute parasympathetic efferent fibers to the plexus.

At the points of junction of these nerves small ganglia are found.

Maps Inferior hypogastric plexus

Course

From these plexuses numerous branches are distributed to the viscera of the pelvis.

They accompany the branches of the internal iliac artery.

It is the source for the middle rectal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexus, and uterovaginal plexus.

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Additional images

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See also

• Superior hypogastric plexus
• Hypogastric nerve

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References

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

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External links

• Autonomics of the Pelvis - Page 5 of 12 anatomy module at med.umich.edu
• Autonomics of the Pelvis - Page 6 of 12 anatomy module at med.umich.edu
• figures/chapter_32/32-6.HTM: Basic Human Anatomy at Dartmouth Medical School
• posteriorabdomen at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (posteriorabdmus&nerves)

Source of article : Wikipedia