Erection - Anatomy & Physiology

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.