From the Research
The pudendal nerve originates from the sacral nerve roots S2, S3, and S4 in the sacral plexus, with the most recent and highest quality study 1 confirming the contribution of these roots to the formation of the pudendal nerve trunk. The formation of the pudendal nerve involves the combination of these sacral nerve roots, which then travel through the greater sciatic foramen, cross the ischial spine, and enter the pudendal canal.
- The pudendal nerve provides sensory innervation to the external genitalia, including the penis or clitoris, labia or scrotum, and the lower portion of the anal canal.
- It also provides motor function to the external urethral sphincter, external anal sphincter, and muscles of the perineum.
- The pudendal nerve is clinically significant because damage to it can result in sexual dysfunction, urinary or fecal incontinence, and perineal pain, as noted in studies 2, 3, 4, 5. The most recent study 1 highlights the importance of understanding the variations in pudendal nerve formation and its impact on clinical outcomes, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the nerve's anatomy in surgical procedures and treatments.
- The study found that the S2 root participated in the formation of the pudendal nerve in 85% of cases, with the S1 and S4 roots also contributing in some cases.
- The pudendal nerve's branches run below the sacrospinous ligament, and the inferior rectal nerve may pierce through the ligament, making it prone to entrapment. Overall, the pudendal nerve plays a crucial role in pelvic function, and its anatomy and variations must be carefully considered in clinical practice to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.