Parasympathetic Path to Pelvic Viscera

Origin:
   sacral segments (S1 - S3)

Preganglionic Pathway:
   right/left ventral root, spinal nerve,
   ventral branch, lumbosacral plexus,
   pelvic nerve, pelvic plexus

Ganglion:
   pelvic ganglia within the pelvic plexus

Postganglionic Pathway:
   direct branches from pelvic plexus to pelvic viscera

Target Organs:
      pelvic viscera smooth muscle & glands:
      descending colon, rectum & anal canal;
      ureter, urinary bladder & urethra;
      male/female genitalia;
      blood vessel smooth muscle


pre-ganglionic path post-ganglionic path



Cadaver Images
(click to view enlarged)

Left. The pelvic nerve arises form the sacral plexus, which is formed by ventral branches of sacral spinal nerves (S1, S2, S3).

Right. The pelvic plexus receives parasympathetic input from the pelvic nerve and sympathetic input via the hypogastric nerve. Branches of the pelvic plexus go to pelvic viscera.



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