Sacral plexus branches (mnemonic)
A handy mnemonic to recall the branches of the sacral plexus prior to its division is:
- Six Ps: as all of the nerves start with the letter P
- SLIP, DSP: if you slip over, you may need to go on the DSP (Disability Support Pension)
Mnemonic
Six Ps
- nerve to piriformis (S1-S2)
- perforating cutaneous nerve (S2-S3)
- posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (S1-S3)
- parasympathetic pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4)
- pudendal nerve (S2-S4)
- perineal branch of S4 (S4)
SLIP, DSP
- S: superior gluteal nerve
- L: lumbosacral trunk
- I: inferior gluteal nerve
- P: posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
- D: direct branches to lateral rotators (including nerve to piriformis, nerve to obturator internus, nerve to quadratus femoris, etc), and pelvic floor
- S: sciatic nerve
- P: pudendal nerve
