Inferior hypogastric plexus
The inferior hypogastric plexus (pelvic plexus in some texts) is a network (plexus) of nerves that supplies the organs of the pelvic cavity. The inferior hypogastric plexus gives rise to the prostatic plexus in males and the uterovaginal plexus in females.
| Inferior hypogastric plexus | |
|---|---|
The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. (Pelvic plexus labeled at bottom right.) | |
Lower half of right sympathetic cord. (Hypogastric plexus labeled at bottom left.) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | plexus hypogastricus inferior |
| TA98 | A14.3.03.048 |
| TA2 | 6715 |
| FMA | 6643 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
The inferior hypogastric plexus is a paired structure, meaning there is one on the left and the right side of the body. These are located on either side of the rectum in males, and at the sides of the rectum and vagina in females. For this reason, injury to this structure can arise as a complication of pelvic surgeries and may cause urinary dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Testing of bladder function is used in that case to show a poorly compliant bladder, with bladder neck incompetence, and fixed external sphincter tone.