Hypogastric nerve
The hypogastric nerve is the nerve that transitions between the superior hypogastric plexus and the inferior hypogastric plexus. The hypogastric nerve enters the sympathetic chain at T10-L2.Structure
The hypogastric nerve begins where the superior hypogastric plexus splits into a right and left plexus. Each of these divisions is considered a hypogastric nerve. The hypogastric nerve continues inferiorly on its corresponding side of the body, where it descends into the pelvis to form the inferior hypogastric plexus. Contents of the right and left hypogastric nerves include pre- and post-ganglionic sympathetic fibers from vertebral levels of T10-L2.
Sympathetic innervation by the hypogastric nerve is responsible for the emission of semen into the posterior urethra. Emission is the first phase of male ejaculation. In contrast, erection is mediated primarily by the parasympathetic nervous system via pelvic splanchnic nerves.
