490 



SACRAL GANGLIA. 



common iliac arteries, and bifurcates inferiorly into two lateral por- 

 tions, which communicate with branches from the fourth and fifth 

 sacral nerves. It distributes branches to all the viscera of the pelvis, 

 and sends filaments which accompany the branches of the internal iliac 

 artery. 



SACRAL GANGLIA. 



The Sacral ganglia are four or five in number on each side. They 

 are situated upon the sacrum, close to the anterior sacral foramina, and 

 resemble the lumbar ganglia in form and mode of connection, although 

 much smaller in size. 



The superior and inferior branches communicate with the ganglia 

 above and below. 



The external branches communicate with the sacral nerves. 



The internal branches communicate very freely with the lateral 

 divisions of the hypogastric plexus, and are distributed to the pelvic 

 viscera. The last pair of sacral ganglia give off branches which join 

 a small ganglion, situated on the first bone of the coccyx, called the 

 ganglion impar, or azygos. This ganglion resembles in its position and 

 function the ganglion of Ribes, serving to connect the inferior ex- 

 tremity of the sympathetic system, as does the former ganglion 

 its upper extremity: It gives off a few small branches to the coccyx 

 and rectum. 



