Final Answer:
The branches responsible for providing sensation and blood flow to the perineum and external genitalia are the pudendal nerve and pudendal artery, denoted by option (b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The perineum and external genitalia receive innervation and vascular supply from specific nerves and arteries. The pudendal nerve, a branch of the sacral plexus (S2-S4), is the primary nerve responsible for providing sensory innervation to the perineum and external genitalia. It plays a crucial role in controlling the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Simultaneously, the pudendal artery, originating from the internal iliac artery, is responsible for supplying blood to these regions. Together, the pudendal nerve and pudendal artery work in concert to ensure the proper functioning and sensation of the perineum and external genitalia.
Understanding the anatomy of these structures is essential for medical professionals, especially in fields such as urology, gynecology, and surgery. Incorrect identification of the nerve and artery involved could lead to complications in surgeries or misdiagnoses. Therefore, medical practitioners need to have a thorough knowledge of the specific branches responsible for the sensory and vascular supply to the perineum and external genitalia, which in this case, are the pudendal nerve and pudendal artery, respectively.