The innervation of the bladder, the pelvic floor, and emotion: A review
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Updated: Oct 24, 2025

Dissection of Pelvic Autonomic Ganglia and Associated Nerves in Male and Female Rats
Published on: March 7, 2020
Jörgen Quaghebeur1, Peter Petros2, Jean-Jacques Wyndaele3
1Department of Urology, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
Abstract:
The innervation of the pelvic region is complex and includes extensive neurologic pathways. The higher centres' organisation determining the pelvic floor and organs' function remains a challenge understanding the physiological and pain mechanisms. Psychological and emotional factors have a profound influence on the pelvic floor and organ dysfunction such as LUTS. LUTS are associated with stress, depression, and anxiety. Neuroception is a subconscious neuronal system for detecting threats and safety and might explain the permanent disturbance of higher brain centres maintaining functional urological and gastrointestinal disorders and sphincter dysfunction.
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