672 THE SACRAL PLEXUS. 



the penis, this nerve is joined by branches of the sympathetic system, and 

 it sends outwards numerous offsets to the integument on the upper surface 

 and sides of the organ, including the prepuce. One large branch penetrates 

 the corpus cavernosum penis. 



In the female, the dorsal nerve of the clitoris is much smaller than the 

 corresponding branch in the male ; it is similarly distributed. 



C. The inferior hcemorrhoidal nerve arises from the pudic nerve at the 

 back of the pelvis, or it may come directly from the sacral plexus, and be 

 transmitted through the small sacro-sciatic foramen to its distribution in the 

 lower end of the rectum. 



Fig. 443. 



Fig. 443. DISSECTION OF THE PERINEUM OP THE MALE TO SHOW THE DISTRIBUTION OP 

 THE PUDIO AND OTHER NERVES (from Hirschfeld and Leveille). ^ 



On the right side a part of the glutens maximus muscle and the great sacro-sciatic liga- 

 ment have been removed to show the descent of the nerves from the great sacro-sciatic 

 foramen. 1, great sciatic nerve of the right side ; 2, lesser sciatic nerve ; 2', its muscular 

 branches to the gluteus maximus (right side) ; 2", cutaneous branches to the buttock (left 

 side) ; 3, continuation of the nerve as posterior middle cutaneous of the thigh ; 3, internal 

 and external cutaneous branches ; 4, 4, inferior pudendal branch ; 4', network of this and 

 the perineal nerves on the scrotum ; 5, right pudic nerve ; 6, superior branch or nerve 

 to the penis ; 7, the external superficial perineal branch ; 7', the internal superficial 

 perineal branch ; 8, musculo-bulbal branches ; 9, hemorrhoidal or cutaneous anal branches ; 

 1.0, cutaneous branch of the fourth sacral nerve. 



Some of the branches of this nerve end in the external sphincter and in the adjacent 

 skin of the anus ; others reach the skin in front of that part, and communicate with 

 the inferior pudendal branch of the small sciatic nerve, and with the superficial 

 perineal nerves. 



Summary. The pudic nerve supplies the perinsBiim, the penis, and part 

 of the scrotum, also the urethral and anal muscles in the male ; and the 



