Question #470

The pudendal nerve arises from the S2,3,4 nerve roots. It exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen below piriformis. It has a short course in the gluteal region passing over the posterior surface of the sacrospinous ligament near to its insertion into the ischial spine. From here it changes direction and passes through the lesser sciatic foramen into the perineum.

Within the perineum it runs through the pudendal canal (also known as Alcock's canal) which is located on the lateral wall of the ischioanal fossa.

It gives off three branches in the perineum:

• Inferior rectal nerve
• Perineal nerve
• Dorsal nerve of the penis/clitoris

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