The cavernous nerves are post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection and clitoral erection. 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.
Clinical considerations 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.Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book, Avery, 2005 This test aids the surgeon in identifying the nerves, which are difficult to see.Blue Torch December 2007
References
External links Gray's Anatomy, 1918 edition