Sensory innervation of the external and internal genitalia of the female rat

Brain Res. 1987 Apr 7;408(1-2):199-204. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(87)90372-6.

Abstract

Using a whole-nerve recording method, the genitalia of the female rat were found to receive afferent innervation as follows. Pelvic nerve: vagina, cervix, and perineal skin; hypogastric nerve: cervix and proximal three fifths of the uterus; pudendal nerve: skin of perineum, inner thigh, and clitoral sheath. It is probable that the pudendal and pelvic nerves are activated during copulation, and that all 3 nerves are activated during parturition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / innervation*
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology*
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiology*
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Rats
  • Uterus / innervation