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Elsevier
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Posterior Root of Fourth Sacral Nerve (Right)
Nervous System

Posterior Root of Fourth Sacral Nerve (Right)

Radix posterior nervi sacralis quarti

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Quick Facts

Origin: In or just medial to the fourth sacral foramen.

Course: Medially from the sacral foramen and superiorly within the vertebral canal towards the posterior surface of the appropriate spinal cord level.

Branches: Unnamed rootlets just prior to entering the spinal cord.

Supply: Sensory innervation from the perianal region.

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Origin

The posterior root of the fourth sacral nerve originates in, or just medial, to the fourth sacral foramen. It is at this point that the fourth sacral nerve splits into anterior and posterior roots.

Course

The posterior root of the fourth sacral nerve runs medially from the fourth sacral foramen into the vertebral canal. Here, it runs superiorly towards its corresponding spinal cord level, in a large bundle of nerve roots called the cauda equina. The posterior root splits into smaller rootlets before entering the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord.

Branches

The posterior root of the fourth sacral nerve branches into several smaller rootlets shortly before entering the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord.

Supplied Structures

The posterior root of the fourth sacral nerve carries sensory innervation from the perianal region surrounding the anus.

Complete Anatomy

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Complete Anatomy