Corpus cavernosum

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Corpus Cavernosum

The Corpus Cavernosum is a pair of sponge-like regions of erectile tissue which contain most of the blood in the penis during an erection.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Located on the dorsal side of the penis, the corpus cavernosum consists of two parts: the corpus cavernosum penis and the corpus cavernosum urethrae. The former, larger part extends the length of the penis, while the latter surrounds the urethra.

Physiology[edit | edit source]

During sexual arousal, the corpus cavernosum fills with blood, causing an erection. This process is mediated by signals from the nervous system and the release of chemical messengers within the tissues of the penis.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Diseases of the corpus cavernosum can lead to erectile dysfunction. Treatments for such conditions include medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), and surgical interventions, such as penile implants.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Corpus cavernosum Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD