The nerves supplying the corpora cavernosa consist of two sets, the lesser and greater cavernous nerves, which arise from the forepart of the prostatic plexus, and, after joining with branches from the pudendal nerve, pass forward beneath the pubic arch. Injury to the prostatic plexus (during prostatic resection for example) is highly likely to cause erectile dysfunction. It is because of this relationship that surgeons are careful to maintain the integrity of the prostatic fascial shell so as to not interrupt the post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers that produce penile erection.
