A 48-year-old college football coach undergoes a radical prostatectomy for a malignant tumor in his prostate. Following surgery, he is incapable of achieving an erection.Which of the following nerves is most likely damaged during the surgery?
(A) Sacral splanchnic nerve
(B) Pelvic splanchnic nerve
© Pudendal nerve
(D) Dorsal nerve of the penis
(E) Posterior scrotal nerve
Explanation:
The answer is B. Parasympathetic preganglionic fi bers in the pelvic splanchnic nerve are
responsible for erection of the penis. Sympathetic preganglionic fi bers in the sacral
splanchnic nerve are responsible for ejaculation. The pudendal nerve supplies the external
anal sphincter and perineal muscles and supplies GSA fi bers to the perineal region.
The dorsal nerve of the penis is a terminal branch of the pudendal nerve and supplies
sensation of the penis. The posterior scrotal nerves are superfi cial branches of the perineal
nerve and supply sensory fi bers to the scrotum.