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Nerves of the Abdomen, Lower Back and Pelvis (Male View)

It is within the nervous system of the lower abdomen that the central nervous system ends and the last vestiges of the spinal cord branch out into the peripheral nervous system. Since the vertebrae continues growing later into a child's development than does the spinal cord, the spinal cord actually ends well up inside the last several vertebrae. The lattermost nerve bundles thus descend through and exit the column vertically, unlike the fairly horizontal passages of the vertebral...

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    Full Nerves of the Abdomen, Lower Back and Pelvis (Male View) Description

    [Continued from above] . . . foramina in the thoracic and cervical vertebrae.

    Nonetheless, the nervous system near the pelvis is defined by the end of the spinal column and to a lesser extent by the last of the internal organs of the digestive and excretory systems, which are here serviced by fine networks of both voluntary and involuntary nerve systems. These nerves of the inner organs can be sensory, such as detecting fullness of the bladder, or could be motor neurons, such as trigger peristalsis of the intestines.

    Large nerve bundles destined for the lower extremities pass through the pelvic girdle as well, including the sciatic nerves, which are branches of the lumbar nerves and are the largest and longest nerves in the body. They descend into the buttock and into the thighs, helping to coordinate with other nerve bundles within the abdomen that control the back and abdominal muscles, thereby providing the body with stability and balance.

    A unique attribute of the nervous system in the pelvic region is the presence of nerve bundles that serve the male and female reproductive systems. Sensory and involuntary nerves activate and receive information from these organs to trigger the pleasure centers of the brain during sexual activity and promote the changes necessary for conception, gestation, and the process of birth.