Posterior branch of coccygeal nerve

Overview

The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve is a small nerve that arises from the coccygeal nerve, which is the terminal nerve of the spinal cord. This nerve plays a role in innervating the skin and tissues around the coccyx, or tailbone.

Anatomy

The coccygeal nerve is the 31st pair of spinal nerves and is the most caudal of all the spinal nerves. It emerges from the sacral plexus and is associated with the coccyx, the small triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column.

Origin

The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve originates from the coccygeal nerve, which itself is formed by the fusion of the fifth sacral nerve and the coccygeal nerve root. This nerve exits the spinal column through the sacral hiatus.

Course

The posterior branch travels posteriorly to innervate the skin over the coccyx. It provides sensory innervation to the skin and subcutaneous tissues in this region.

Function

The primary function of the posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve is to provide sensory innervation to the skin overlying the coccyx. It may also contribute to the innervation of the sacrospinous ligament and the sacrotuberous ligament.

Clinical significance

The coccygeal nerve and its branches, including the posterior branch, can be involved in conditions such as coccydynia, which is pain in the coccyx area. Understanding the anatomy of this nerve is important for diagnosing and treating such conditions.

Images

Diagram of the sacral and coccygeal nerves, showing the posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve.

Related pages

• Coccyx
• Sacral plexus
• Spinal nerves
• Coccydynia