Difference between revisions of "Erection - Anatomy & Physiology"

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

Revision as of 10:08, 10 July 2008

Introduction

  • When sexual receptivity of the female is established and sufficient arousal is accomplished in the male, erection and protrusion of the penis ensue.
  • Successful penile erection requires a complex series of neural and vasomotor reactions.
  • Erection of the penis is necessary for copulation and deposition of semen in the female reproductive tract.
  • Erection is characterized by a marked increase in rigidity of the penis.
  • Increased rigidity is the result of increase in arterial inflow of blood compared to venous outflow.
  • Erection requires that blood be trapped within the cavernous sinus of the penis.
  • Increased blood flow to the penis is brought about by vasodilation of the arterioles supplying it.

Erection of the Fibroelastic Penis

  • Bull,Ram and Boar
  • Involves increased blood flow with subsequent increase in pressure and simultaneous relaxation of the retractor penis muscles.
  • Erection and protrusion involve straightening of the penis to eliminate the sigmoid flexure.
  • Does not increase significantly in diameter during erection.

Erection of the Musculovascular Penis

  • Stallion
  • Increases in diameter during erection.
  • Retractor penis muscle still relaxes during erection, but no sigmoid flexure.
  • Engorgement with blood plays a significant role in the highly vascular penis.



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