Sacral plexus

Sacral Plexus

The Sacral Plexus is a network of nerve fibres that supplies the skin and muscles of the pelvis and lower limb. It is located in the pelvis and is formed by the ventral rami of the first to fourth sacral nerves (S1-S4), and part of the fifth lumbar nerve (L5).

Anatomy

The sacral plexus is formed by the lumbosacral trunk, the first to third sacral nerves, and part of the fourth sacral nerve. The lumbosacral trunk is composed of the whole of the ventral ramus of the first sacral nerve and part of the ventral ramus of the second sacral nerve. The sacral plexus lies in the back of the pelvis between the piriformis muscle and the pelvic fascia.

Branches

The branches of the sacral plexus include the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, which is responsible for the sensory and motor innervation of the lower limb. Other branches include the superior gluteal nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, pudendal nerve, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the sacral plexus can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on the specific nerves affected. This can include sciatica, a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. Other potential conditions include foot drop, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.

See Also

• Nervous system
• Peripheral nervous system
• Lumbar plexus
• Coccygeal plexus

References

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  Gray's Anatomy Plate 828
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  Relations of the sacral plexus
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  Sacral plexus photograph
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  Gray's Anatomy Plate 838
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  Sacral plexus schematic
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  Sacral plexus photograph
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  Sacral plexus animation