Superior and inferior hypogastric plexuses
Plexus hypogastricus superior et inferior
NervousNervesPelvis
- What it is
- The superior hypogastric plexus is a flat band of fibres in front of the fifth lumbar vertebra, just below the aortic bifurcation. It divides into right and left hypogastric nerves that descend to the inferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexuses on the sides of the rectum, where the parasympathetic pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4) join them.
- Function
- Controls the bladder, rectum and sexual organs: parasympathetic fibres empty the bladder and cause erection, sympathetic fibres close the bladder neck and drive ejaculation.
- Size
- Superior plexus ~4-5 cm long; each inferior plexus ~4 cm across
- Clinical note
- Injury to these plexuses during rectal or prostate surgery can cause bladder and erectile dysfunction, so surgeons use nerve-sparing techniques; blocking the superior plexus relieves pelvic cancer pain.