NETTER - Neuroscience Flash Cards

Innervation of the Male
Reproductive Organs
1. Intermesenteric plexus
2. Superior hypogastric plexus (presacral nerve)
3. Hypogastric nerves
4. Left pelvic splanchnic nerves
5. Pudendal nerve
6. Dorsal nerve of the penis
7. Penile cavernous nerves
8. Prostatic plexus
9. Vesical plexus
10. Inferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus
11. Right testicular artery and plexus
Comment: Sympathetic innervation to male reproductive organs
derives from T10–L2 segments of the spinal cord via thoracic and
upper lumbar splanchnic nerves to the superior hypogastric plexus.
Parasympathetic innervation derives from S2–S4 segments of the
spinal cord via pelvic splanchnic nerves to the inferior hypogastric
plexus. Sympathetic nerves cause contraction of the vas deferens
and the prostatic capsule and contract the sphincter to the bladder,
preventing retrograde ejaculation. In the corpora cavernosa of the
penis, the sympathetic nerves also contribute to vascular responses
related to erection. Parasympathetic nerves regulate the vascular
dilation that initiates and maintains penile erection.
Regional Neuroscience See book 9.70