Nerve to levator ani - Male pelvis - Nerve supply of pelvis - e-Anatomy
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Nerve to levator ani

Nervus levatoris ani

  • Latin synonym: Nervus musculi levatoris ani
  • Synonym: Nerve to levator ani muscle
  • Related terms: Nerve to levator ani muscle

Definition

The nerve to levator ani is a direct branch of the sacral plexus. It comprises of neuronal fibers arising from the anterior rami of the fourth sacral spinal nerve (S4).

The nerve to levator ani contributes to innervation of the levator ani muscle, which forms part of the pelvic floor musculature. Contraction of the pelvic floor helps support the pelvic viscera and maintain the closure of the rectum and vagina.

Overall, innervation of the levator ani muscle originates from the S3 and S4 sacral spinal nerves, with some fibers coming from S2 and coccygeal plexus as well. Additional innervation is also received from the inferior rectal branch of the pudendal nerve.

References

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2022 IMAIOS.

  • Gowda SN, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Levator Ani Muscle. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556078/

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 5: Pelvis’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 434-435.

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