151 - Anatomical Description of the Pathway of the Female Cavernous Nerve

Poster Board Number: 151
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Abstract Body : The cavernous nerve is an important autonomic nerve for sexual health in males, but it has not been described in female. While the homologies of the erectile tissues between males and females is well documented, the innervation in female is virtually unstudied. In our study, we dissected 10 female pelves and perinea to identify and chart the course of the cavernous nerve. We identified the cavernous nerve from its origin from the inferior hypogastric plexus posterior to the rectum and followed it laterally to the vagina and through the urogenital hiatus of the perineal membrane to enter the bulbs of the vestibule. This is a different course than seen in males, where the cavernous nerve travels through the anterior hiatus of the perineal membrane, not the relatively smaller urinary hiatus for passage of the male urethra. We suggest that the path of the cavernous nerves follows the position of the prostate. In female, a small amount of retained prostatic tissue has been identified anterior to the vagina that includes the Skene’s glands. Therefore, it may be that the different paths of the cavernous nerves in male and female results from the various positions of the prostatic homologies. The position of the cavernous nerve relative to the vaginal walls and orifice suggest its vulnerability during childbirth and OASIS injuries that may threaten female sexual health.