History of the neurobiology of the pelvis

The contemporary clinical management of a variety of pelvic disorders has b enefited greatly from both basic science research discoveries and clinical observations in pelvic neurobiology, The foundation of this scientific disc ipline emanates from historical advances in the neuroanatomy and neurochemi stry of the pelvic region. These advances, many of which were controversial when introduced, have served to shape currently accepted views regarding t he neuroregulatory basis of pelvic functions. This report highlights the ma jor contributions in the history of pelvic neurobiology, providing both an overview of the evolution of scientific thought in this discipline and insi ght into the role of this discipline in the development and practice of med icine and surgery related to the pelvic region. UROLOGY 53: 1082-1089, 1999 , (C) 1999, Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.