What type of innervation does the pelvic nerve provide to the bladder?

The pelvic nerve plays a crucial role in the innervation of the bladder, specifically providing parasympathetic fibers. This innervation is responsible for triggering the contraction of the bladder's detrusor muscle during micturition, which is essential for facilitating urination. When the bladder fills with urine, stretch receptors signal the pelvic nerve to initiate a reflex that leads to bladder contraction and relaxation of the internal urethral sphincter, allowing urine to exit the bladder.

Parasympathetic innervation is part of the autonomic nervous system and is distinct from sympathetic or somatic innervation. While sympathetic nerves typically inhibit bladder contraction and promote retention, the parasympathetic pathway through the pelvic nerve actively promotes voiding. This coordination ensures that the bladder functions correctly in response to filling and the need to urinate.