The sacral plexus is a web link of nerves emerging from the lower part of the spine.
These nerves provide motor control to and receive sensory information from most of the pelvis and leg.
A plexus is a web of nerves that share roots, branches, and functions.
Gilaxia / Getty Images
Several combinations of these six spinal nerves merge together and then divide into the branches of the sacral plexus.
The sacral plexus branches into smaller nerves within the pelvis.
Some of the nerves remain the pelvis and some extend down the leg.
Anatomical Variations
There are a number of natural variations in the structure of the sacral plexus.
The plexus may form or divide at a higher or lower region in the pelvis than expected.
Function
The sacral plexus has extensive functions throughout the pelvis and legs.
Its branches provide nerve stimulation to a number of muscles.
The nerve to thequadratus femorisstimulates the muscle to move your thigh.
The nerve to theobturator internusmuscle stimulates the muscle to rotate the hip and stabilize your body when you walk.
The nerve to thepiriformis musclestimulates the muscle to move your thigh away from your body.
The tibial portion receives sensory information from most of the foot.
Pudendal nerve: This nerve receives sensory information from the skin of the genital areas.
Because this connection of nerves has many branches and portions, the symptoms can be confusing.
Less extensive damage and involvement of fewer nerve branches are also associated with better recovery.
Adapting to sensory deficits is an important part of rehabilitation and recovery from a sacral plexus problem.
Matejcik V.Anatomical variations of lumbosacral plexus.Surg Radiol Anat.
2019;92(11):e1188-e1194.
2013;13(4):591-601. doi:10.1102/1470-7330.2013.0052
Rubin M.Plexus disorders.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.
Results from a clinical study on 72 patients.J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj.
Scott KM.Pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of fecal incontinence.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.
