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Posterior Root of Third Sacral Nerve (Left)
Nervous System

Posterior Root of Third Sacral Nerve (Left)

Radix posterior nervi sacralis tertii

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Quick Facts

Origin: In or just medial to the third sacral foramen.

Course: Medially from the sacral foramen and superiorly within the vertebral canal towards the posterior surface of the appropriate spinal cord level.

Branches: Unnamed rootlets just prior to entering the spinal cord.

Supply: Sensory innervation from the buttocks and genitals.

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Origin

The posterior root of the third sacral nerve originates in, or just medial, to the third sacral foramen. It is at this point that the third sacral nerve splits into anterior and posterior roots.

Course

The posterior root of the third sacral nerve runs medially from the third sacral foramen into the vertebral canal. Here, it runs superiorly towards its corresponding spinal cord level in a large bundle of nerve roots called the cauda equina. The posterior root splits into smaller rootlets before entering the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord.

Branches

The posterior root of the third sacral nerve branches into several smaller rootlets shortly before entering the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord.

Supplied Structures

The posterior root of the third sacral nerve carries sensory innervation from the medial buttocks, perianal region, and external genitalia.

Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products

Sacral Nerves

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The sacral nerves are a set of five spinal nerves that project to the pelvic floor, carrying afferent and efferent fibers for communication between pelvic organs and the central nervous system (CNS).

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