Cavernous tissue

Cavernous tissue is a type of vascular tissue found in the body, most notably in the penis and clitoris. It is characterized by a sponge-like network of vascular spaces, lined by endothelium and separated by connective tissue septa.

Structure

Cavernous tissue is composed of endothelial cells, which line the inner surface of blood vessels, and smooth muscle cells, which surround the endothelial cells. The tissue is filled with blood during sexual arousal, causing an erection in the penis or clitoral engorgement in the clitoris.

Function

The primary function of cavernous tissue is to facilitate erection. During sexual arousal, the smooth muscle cells in the cavernous tissue relax, allowing blood to flow into the tissue and fill the vascular spaces. This causes the penis or clitoris to become erect.

Clinical significance

Cavernous tissue plays a crucial role in sexual function, and disorders affecting this tissue can lead to sexual dysfunction. For example, erectile dysfunction can occur if there is insufficient blood flow to the cavernous tissue in the penis. Similarly, disorders affecting the cavernous tissue in the clitoris can lead to sexual dysfunction in women.

See also

• Erectile tissue
• Corpus cavernosum penis
• Corpus cavernosum clitoridis