pudendal nerve, one of the branches of the pudendal plexus that arises from the second, third, and fourth sacral nerves; passes between the piriformis and coccygeus; and leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen. It divides into five branches supplying the external genital structures and the pelvic region. The branches of the pudendal nerve are the inferior rectal nerve, perineal nerve, and dorsal nerve of the penis or of the clitoris. See also pudendal plexus.
