Anatomical review of the human fetal superior hypogastric plexus

*Eryk Chrapowicki¹, Bogdan Ciszek^{2, 3}

Summary
Aim of the study.The aim of the study was to describe the morphology and topography of the human fetal superior hypogastric plexus (SHP). It is an important structure of the human autonomic nervous system. Its innervation range emphasizes its important role in several critical reflexes of the urinary and genital organs; therefore understanding of morphology and topography of the SHP is very important in surgical procedures performed in the pelvic region.
Material and methods. The study was carried out on 25 human fetuses of both sexes, aged 16-28 weeks. They were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution, and subsequently blood vessels were injected with colour latex. Dissections of the fetuses were carried out under a surgical microscope. In each case, the SHP was dissected followed by establishment of its trunk and margins. The upper and lower margins of the plexus were defined. The length, width, and distances between margins of the plexus and inferior mesenteric artery and promontory were measured. The statistical analysis of the measurement results based on Pearson´s correlation was performed.
Results. The plexus trunk, upper and lower margins may be easily established. Two upper branches and two hypogastric nerves were observed in each case. The width of the plexus and its inferior margin marked by the level of its bifurcation were constant. The most variable feature of the plexus was its length.
Conclusions. We established that the superior hypogastric plexus is an easily identifiable and preparable structure. Its form and margins may be rather distinctly separated.

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