Inferior hypogastric plexus
The inferior hypogastric plexuses are autonomic nerve plexuses located in the pelvis.
Summary
- location: lies in pelvis in extraperitoneal connective tissue on pelvic sidewall anterolateral to the mesorectum
- origin: formed mainly from pelvic splanchnic branches (parasympathetic) and sacral splanchnic branches (sympathetic)
- branches and supply: gives origin to a complex network of small branches that supply the pelvic viscera
- males: ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, accessory sex glands, penis
- females: ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina
- both: urinary bladder
- relations:
- lateral: internal iliac artery and vein, attachments of levator ani and obturator internus muscle
- medial (females): cervix, vaginal fornix, bladder
- superior: superior vesical artery, obliterated umbilical artery
- anterior (males): seminal vesicles, prostate, rectovesical pouch, bladder