The pelvic splanchnic nerves (nervi erigentes) carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibres that synapse in ganglia located:

• A In the inferior mesenteric ganglion
• B In the sacral sympathetic chain ganglia
• C In the celiac ganglion
• D In the inferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus or within the wall of target organs ✓

Explanation

Pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2–S4) carry preganglionic parasympathetic axons that travel to the inferior hypogastric plexus and continue to short postganglionic neurons in the walls of pelvic viscera (bladder, rectum, uterus, genitalia). This is in contrast to sympathetic ganglia, which are typically paravertebral or prevertebral. The celiac and inferior mesenteric ganglia are sympathetic prevertebral ganglia. This distinction is critical for understanding neurogenic bladder after pelvic surgery.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.