Dorsal nerve of the penis (in males); dorsal nerve of the clitoris (in females) (DNP (dorsal nerve of the penis))

The dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) is the terminal sensory branch of the pudendal nerve, derived from sacral spinal segments S2-S4. In humans, it contains approximately 8,290 axons organized in 25–45 loosely packed nerve bundles, roughly half of which are myelinated. The nerve runs along the dorsal aspect of the penis between the corpora cavernosa, traveling beneath Buck's fascia in a neurovascular bundle with the dorsal penile artery and vein, before terminating in the glans. Its primary function is somatosensory, transmitting touch, pleasure, and pain sensation from penile and clitoral skin to the central nervous system—signals critical for achieving erection and sexual arousal. The nerve also carries afferent fibers from the urethra that provide sensation during micturition and ejaculation, participating in spinal reflex arcs that coordinate bulbospongiosus muscle contractions. While not a traditional drug target, the dorsal genital nerve is clinically significant because its damage during surgical procedures can cause erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction, and its stimulation shows therapeutic potential for treating neurogenic urinary incontinence in patients with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis.

Other names

Dorsal genital nerveDorsal nerve of the clitoris (female equivalent)Terminal branch of the pudendal nerve

Not applicable.