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Coccygeal plexus
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
The coccygeal plexus (plexus coccygeus) is formed by the fibers of the anterior branches of the fourth and fifth sacral (SIV-V) and the anterior branch of the coccygeal (CoI) spinal nerves. The plexus is located at the origin and on the anterior surface of the coccygeal muscle and on the sacrococcygeal ligament. The anal-coccygeal nerves (nn. anococcygei) extending from the coccygeal plexus run along the anterior surface of the coccygeal muscle to the end of the coccyx. They innervate the skin in the area of the coccyx and anus. The muscular branches of this plexus innervate the coccygeal muscle and the posterior part of the muscle that lifts the anus.
The coccygeal nerve (n.coccygeus) is formed by the anterior branches of the SV and CoI-II nerves, and is located on both sides of the sacrum in front of the coccygeus muscle and lig. sacrospinosum. From this plexus, nerves branch off to the muscles of the pelvic floor, the coccygeus muscle, and the muscle that lifts the anus. Sensory fibers supply the skin between the coccyx and anus.
When the genital nerve and coccygeal plexus are damaged, urination, defecation and sexual activity disorders occur, and the anal reflex is lost with hypoesthesia in the associated areas.
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