Inferior hypogastric plexus

The inferior hypogastric plexus (pelvic plexus in some texts)^[1] 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.

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Sources

Contributions to the plexus include:

• a continuation of the 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.

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.^[2]

Additional images

See also

• Superior hypogastric plexus
• Hypogastric nerve

References

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.