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Erection - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:08, 10 July 2008
, 10:08, 10 July 2008→Mechanism
== Mechanism ==
== Mechanism ==
Erection of the penis requires:
* Elevated arterial inflow
* Dilation of '''corporal sinusoids'''
* Restricted venous outflow
* Elevated intrapenile pressure
* Relaxation of '''retractor penis muscles'''
* Engorgement of cavernous sinuses causes a blockage of venous circulation from the penis.
* Contractions of ischiocavernous muscles cause compression of the penile veins.
** Intermittent contractions of the muscles around the two '''crura''' create a pump-like action at the base of the penis.
** Result in the build up of blood within the '''corpus cavernosum'''.
* Very high pressure results.
== Vascular and Biochemical Control of Erection ==