Quick Facts
Origin: Deep branch of perineal nerve (S2-S4).
Course: Runs anteriorly, deep to the superficial transverse perineal muscle.
Branches: None.
Supply: Muscles of the perineum.
Origin
The muscular branches of the perineal nerve arise from the deep branch of the perineal nerve.
Course
After emerging from the pudendal canal (or Alcock’s canal), the pudendal nerve splits forming both the dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris and the perineal nerve. The perineal nerve runs across the urogenital diaphragm, superficial to the urogenital fascia. Here it bifurcates to form both the superficial and deep perineal nerves. The deep perineal nerve runs anteriorly along the pelvic floor and deep to the superficial transverse perineal muscle on its way to innervate the muscles of the perineum.
Branches
There are no named branches.
Supplied Structures
The muscular branches of the perineal nerve supply the bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, superficial and deep transverse perineal, levator ani, and sphincter urethrae muscles. Sensory fibers also innervate the urethra.
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Perineal Nerve
The perineal nerve is situated below the internal pudendal artery and divides into a posterior labial branch and a muscular branch.
