Cavernous nerves innervation from prostate apex to distal penis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the cavernous nerves innervation from prostate apex to glans penis and the relation between cavernous nerves and surrounding tissues and organs. Methods The urethra and penises of three formalin preserved adult cadavers were removed from prostate apex to glans penis.The sections underwent hematoxylin-eosin staining and Bielschowsky nerve staining.The course and distribution of cavernous nerves and relationship between the cavernous nerves and surrounding tissues and organs was observed microscopically and photographed from prostate apex to glans penis. Results From serial sections we found when nerve fibres run along prostate apex,while surrounding the lateral and dorsal aspects of prostate apex and urethra.from 30'clock to 9 0'clock.Most fibres went through smooth muscle and some of them went through the periphery striated muscle and urogenital diaphragm.The distance to urethra lumen was only 3-5 mm.After the nerve fibres went distally and anteriorly,they accompanied closely with cavernous vein plexus and then went into corpora cavernosa.At the distal end of corpora cavernosa,there werewindowsthrough which the neurovascular bundles communicated between corpora cavernosa and glans penis just like doors to glans penis. Conclusions When nerve fibres run from prostate apex to urogenital diaphragm,along dorsal lateral aspect of prostate and urethra,there are only 3-5 mm to the urethra lumen,so it is very easy to be injured in traumas or operations.In the urethral bulb fragment,the nerves run anteriorly and laterally.out of the periphary muscle,so the cavernous nerves will not be i~ured when dissect urethra bulb from surrounding muscles.Dissect glans penis from distal end of penis in operation would be avoided in order to protect the cavernous nerves between corpora cavernosa and glans penis. Key words: Cavernous nerve; Prostate; Urogenital diaphragm; Anatomy