Posterior branch of coccygeal nerve

Posterior branch of coccygeal nerve is a nerve in the human body that originates from the coccygeal nerve. It is the smallest and most inferiorly located nerve in the sacral plexus, which is a network of nerve fibres that supplies the skin and muscles of the pelvis and lower limbs.

Etymology

The term "coccygeal" is derived from the Greek word "kokkyx", which means "cuckoo" due to the resemblance of the bone to the beak of this bird. The term "posterior" is derived from the Latin word "posterior", which means "coming after".

Anatomy

The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve is a small nerve that arises from the coccygeal plexus. It passes backward to supply the skin in the region of the coccyx, or tailbone. This nerve is the most inferiorly located nerve in the sacral plexus, which is a network of nerve fibres that supplies the skin and muscles of the pelvis and lower limbs.

Function

The primary function of the posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve is to provide sensory innervation to the skin over the coccyx. This means that it carries sensory information from the skin in this area to the brain. This information includes sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Clinical significance

Damage to the posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve can result in coccydynia, which is pain in the area of the coccyx. This can occur due to a variety of causes, including trauma, childbirth, and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Treatment for coccydynia can include pain management, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical removal of the coccyx.

See also

• Coccygeal nerve
• Sacral plexus
• Coccydynia

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