STEP DISSECTION OF THE INFERIOR HYPOGASTRIC PLEXUS

Ross SPACKMAN, Bill WRIGLEY, Alice ROBERTS, Martin QUINN. University Department of Anatomy, Bristol, UK.

Objective

To demonstrate the morphology of the inferior hypogastric plexus in prepared female cadavers.

Subjects and Methods

Two, parous, female cadavers bequested to the University Department of Anatomy under the terms and conditions of the 1952 Human Tissues Act were identified for this project.

Instead of a traditional formalin-based technique, both cadavers were irrigated with methanol via the femoral artery. Both were stored at 4 degrees Centigrade prior to prosection. Dissection was undertaken in stepwise fashion (RS) to demonstrate the extent and complexity of the inferior hypogastric plexus as well as its relationship to the birth canal in each hemipelvis (n=4).

Results

Four hemisections of the female pelvis were available for study.

Both superior and inferior hypogastric plexi, right and left hypogastric nerves were identified in each hemisection in three separate planes; superficial, intermediate and deep layers. There was no major asymmetry between right and left hemisections in these preliminary observations.

Many of the large nerve trunks that make up the inferior hypogastric plexi course in a similar plane to the birth canal. Complicated vaginal delivery may have implications for the integrity of the pelvicinnervation.


Conclusion

The extent and complexity of the hypogastric plexi may be readily demonstrated in female cadavers embalmed with methanol.