The pudendal nerve is a mixed nerve that originates from the sacral plexus and innervates the perinum and perineal muscles, skin, external genitals, and organs of the lesser pelvis.

This nerve typically arises from the ventral branches of the second, third and fourth sacral nerves (S2 - S4).

The pudendal nerve runs through the infrapiriform foramen, then curves around the ischial spine, reaches the ischioanal fossa via the lesser sciatic foramen and runs along the lateral wall of it.

Then it passes through the pudendal (Alcock`s) canal, ventrally along the deep transverse perineal muscle to reach the pubic symphysis. In males, the pudendal nerve continues as the dorsal nerve of the penis (dorsal nerve of the clitoris - in females).

The pudendal nerve also gives rise to the inferior rectal nerves and the perineal nerve.

The pudendal nerve is the most important nerve for perineal innervation, it supplies the perineal muscles, skin in the perineal and anal regions, external genitals, as well as anal muscles - the external anal sphincter and levator ani muscles.

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Pudendal nerve