Inferior hypogastric plexus

The inferior hypogastric plexus (or pelvic plexus) is a paired autonomic nerve plexus innervating organs of the pelvic cavity. It gives rise to the prostatic plexus in males and the uterovaginal plexus in females.

The plexus consists of an irregular, fenestrated layer containing small ganglia.

The inferior hypogastric plexus is situated in the sagittal plane just outside the peritoneum, between the anterior sacral foramina (posteriorly), and the posterior aspect of the urinary bladder (anteriorly). It is situated lateral to the rectum and vagina, and media lto the internal iliac artery and internal iliac vein of either side.

• hypogastric nerve – a continuation of either superior hypogastric plexus.
• sacral splanchnic nerves (from sympathetic trunk)
• pelvic splanchnic nerves (from sacral nerves S2-S4) also contribute parasympathetic efferent fibers to the plexus.

Efferents branches form secondary plexuses that accompany the internal iliac artery along its course. They give rise to the middle and inferior rectal plexuses, vesical plexus, deferential plexus, and prostatic plexus (in males) or uterovaginal plexus (in females).

Efferents of the plexus are responsible for innervating the genital erectile tissues.

Due to its location, injury to this structure can arise as a complication of pelvic surgeries and may cause urinary dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Testing of bladder function is used in that case to show a poorly compliant bladder, with bladder neck incompetence, and fixed external sphincter tone.

• Superior hypogastric plexus
• Hypogastric nerve

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

• Autonomics of the Pelvis - Page 5 of 12 anatomy module at med.umich.edu
• Autonomics of the Pelvis - Page 6 of 12 anatomy module at med.umich.edu
• figures/chapter_32/32-6.HTM: Basic Human Anatomy at Dartmouth Medical School
• posteriorabdomen at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (posteriorabdmus&nerves)