Inferior hypogastric plexus

The inferior hypogastric plexuses are autonomic nerve plexuses located in the pelvis.

Summary

• location: lies in pelvis in extraperitoneal connective tissue on pelvic sidewall anterolateral to the mesorectum
• origin: formed mainly from pelvic splanchnic branches (parasympathetic) and sacral splanchnic branches (sympathetic)
• branches and supply: gives origin to a complex network of small branches that supply the pelvic viscera
  • males: ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, accessory sex glands, penis
  • females: ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina
  • both: urinary bladder
• relations:
  • lateral: internal iliac artery and vein, attachments of levator ani and obturator internus muscle
  • medial (females): cervix, vaginal fornix, bladder 
  • superior: superior vesical artery, obliterated umbilical artery
  • anterior (males): seminal vesicles, prostate, rectovesical pouch, bladder