| Cavernous nerves of clitoris | |
| Latin: | nervi cavernosi clitoridis |
| Branchfrom: | Uterovaginal plexus |
| Cavernous nerves of penis | |
| Latin: | nervi cavernosi penis |
| Branchfrom: | Prostatic plexus |
The cavernous nerves are post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection and clitoral erection.[1] They arise from cell bodies in the inferior hypogastric plexus where they receive the pre-ganglionic pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4).
In the penis, there are both lesser cavernous nerves and a greater cavernous nerve.
These nerves are susceptible to injury following prostatectomy or genital surgery.
Nerve-sparing prostatectomy was invented for surgeons to avoid injuring the nerves and causing erectile dysfunction complications. During surgery, a doctor may apply a small electrical stimulation to the nerve and measure the erectile function with a penile plethysmograph.[2] This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.[3]