Pelvic Nerve Function and Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the primary role of the pelvic nerves?

Regulating sensory perception in the lower back
Controlling skeletal muscle movement in the legs
Controlling urinary and fecal continence and sexual function (correct)
Regulating hormone production in the adrenal glands

The vagus nerve directly extends into the pelvis to provide parasympathetic innervation to pelvic organs.

False (B)

What type of information do visceral afferents carry, and to where do they transmit this information?

Sensory information from the pelvic organs to the spinal cord

Sympathetic nerves originate in the ______ spinal cord levels.

thoracic Signup and view all the answers

Match the nerve type with its origin:

Sympathetic Nerves = Thoracic spinal cord Parasympathetic Nerves = Sacral spinal cord levels S2, S3, and S4 Iliohypogastric Nerve = Somatic nervous system Hypogastric Nerves = Superior hypogastric plexus Signup and view all the answers

What potential complications can arise from nerve damage during pelvic surgery?

Urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, or sexual dysfunction (D) Signup and view all the answers

Splanchnic nerves consist exclusively of sympathetic nerve fibers.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key functional difference between the iliohypogastric nerve and the hypogastric nerves?

The iliohypogastric nerve innervates somatic skeletal muscle and skin, while the hypogastric nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system and innervate visceral structures. Signup and view all the answers

Pelvic splanchnic nerves, which originate from sacral spinal nerves S2, S3, and S4, carry ______ fibers to the pelvic viscera.

parasympathetic Signup and view all the answers

Which plexuses contain parasympathetic, sympathetic, and visceral afferent fibers?

Mesenteric plexuses (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pelvic Nerves

Control urinary/fecal continence and sexual function; vital for organ function.

Pelvic Viscera

Bladder, urethra, rectum, and (male) prostate or (female) uterus.

Sympathetic Nerves

Originate in the thoracic spinal cord, pass through the sympathetic trunk, controlling smooth muscle.