Nervous system · Pelvis · Male
Dorsal nerve of penis !
The dorsal nerve of the penis is the end branch of the pudendal nerve along the top of the penis; it carries sensation from the penis, especially the glans.
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What it is
The last branch of the pudendal nerve, running along the top of the penis beside the dorsal artery.
What it does
Carries sensation from the penis, especially the glans.
Key facts
- Roots
- S2–S4 (terminal branch of the pudendal nerve)
- Moves
- None (sensory)
- Feeling from
- Skin of the penis and glans; runs on the dorsum lateral to the dorsal artery under Buck fascia; blocked at the base in a dorsal penile nerve block
Relations
- Course
- Leaves the pudendal nerve in the pudendal (Alcock) canal, runs forward in the deep perineal pouch along the inferior pubic ramus, passes beside the suspensory ligament onto the dorsum and runs to the glans penis
- Medial
- Dorsal artery of the penis, then the deep dorsal vein in the midline
- Superficial
- Buck fascia
- Deep
- Tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, round whose sides its branches spread
How to find it
Not palpable. At the base of the penis it runs on each side of the midline under Buck fascia, outside the dorsal artery, just below the pubic symphysis; this is where a dorsal penile nerve block is placed.
Examination
- Bulbocavernosus reflex: squeezing the glans makes the anal sphincter contract; absence points to a lesion of S2–S4, the pudendal nerve or the conus medullaris
On imaging
Not seen on radiographs or routine CT. It runs under Buck fascia lateral to the dorsal artery, so the dorsal vessels and the pubic symphysis are the landmarks on ultrasound, which can guide a dorsal penile nerve block, as for circumcision. When entrapment is suspected, MRI looks at its parent, the pudendal nerve, along the pudendal canal rather than at the dorsal nerve itself.
Common problems
- Pressure from long cycling can cause numbness of the perineum and penis.
- Pudendal neuralgia: burning pain when sitting.
How it is diagnosed
History and examination; a diagnostic nerve block.
Treatment
- A dorsal penile nerve block numbs the penis for a circumcision or small procedures.
Clinical notes
- Compression of the pudendal nerve (long cycling, the pudendal canal) shows up as numbness of the penis and perineum because this branch carries their sensation
- Its sensory function can be measured by vibration threshold testing of the glans and shaft (biothesiometry) when a neuropathy, such as diabetic neuropathy, is suspected behind erectile or ejaculatory problems
Anatomical variants
- On the dorsum it often divides into several bundles, commonly two or three, with more described
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where is local anaesthetic placed in a dorsal penile nerve block?
Under Buck fascia at the base of the penis on each side of the midline (or a ring block); it numbs most of the shaft and glans.
What role does the dorsal nerve of the penis play in the bulbocavernosus reflex?
It carries the afferent limb (S2–S4); squeezing the glans makes the anal sphincter contract. Absence suggests S2–S4, pudendal or conus damage.
Why does pudendal nerve compression in long-distance cycling numb the penis?
The dorsal nerve of the penis, a branch of the pudendal nerve, carries penile sensation.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- nervus dorsalis penis
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Nervio dorsal del pene
- English (TA2)
- Dorsal nerve of penis
Related
Sources: Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Penis Dorsal Nerve; Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Penis.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
