Cavernous nerves of penis

The cavernous nerves are post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection. They arise from cell bodies in the inferior hypogastric plexus where they receive the pre-ganglionic pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4).

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There are both lesser cavernous nerves and a greater cavernous nerve.

Clinical considerations

These nerves are susceptible to injury following prostatectomy.

Nerve-sparing prostatectomy was invented for surgeons to avoid injuring the nerves an causing erectile dysfunction complications. During surgery, a doctor may apply a small electrical stimulation to the nerve and measure the erectile function.^[1] This test aid the surgeon in identifying the difficult to see nerves.^[2]

References

Gray's Anatomy, 1918 edition