[Flaccidity and erection of the human penis: morphological data]

Abstract

Erection of the human penis, a simple and at the same time complex phenomenon, requires the involvement of numerous sustaining mechanisms. This paper presents a summary of the morphological research work done by the author, mainly concerning the mechanisms regulating the blood flow distribution in the arteries and veins, the arteriovenous anastomoses, the two corpora cavernosa of the penis with their tunica albuginea, the urethral corpus spongiosum, the capsular membrane which envelopes the latter, and finally the paraurethral glands. Although it is true that the primary mechanism of penile erection is represented by the central and peripheral nervous system, it must not be forgotten that the basis for this phenomenon consists of the structures of the corpora cavernosa of the penis as well as all of the other penile morphological structures.