An erectile tissue is a vascular plexus that can fill with blood. In the body, there are different erectile tissues that perform different functions and tasks.
What is a corpus cavernosum?
The medical term for erectile tissue is corpus cavernosus. It is a plexus of blood vessels. The vascular plexus can be arterial or venous. It is formed by many different cavities lined with endothelium. Most of the cavernous bodies serve the erectile and/or sealing function. In a narrow sense, the term erectile tissue refers to the penile and clitoral erectile tissue. In the male mating organ, three different corpus cavernosum are distinguished: corpus cavernosum penis, corpus spongiosum penis and corpus spongiosum glandis. The corpus cavernosum of the female clitoris is also called corpus cavernosum clitoridis. In addition to these true erectile bodies, there are also non-genuine erectile bodies in the human body. These include, for example, a dense network of blood capillaries under the nasal mucosa. These blood capillaries open into a venous plexus. Changes in the incoming and outgoing blood alter the volume in the nasal internal spaces. This affects the flow of respiratory air.
Anatomy and structure
The corpus cavernosum penis attaches to the ischium. It begins at the so-called penile legs (crura penis). The two legs of the corpus cavernosum unite at the body of the penis to form the corpus cavernosum. A thick connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea, surrounds the penis. From this connective tissue capsule, septa extend into the interior of the corpus cavernosum. The corpus cavernosum penis belongs to the arterial corpora cavernosa. The corpus spongiosum penis, on the other hand, is a venous corpus cavernosum. This urethral corpus cavernosum is located in the region of the base of the penis. It is located on the underside of the member and surrounds the urethra. The connective tissue capsule surrounding the corpus spongiosum penis is much less developed than the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum penis. It is also rich in elastic fibers. The corpus spongiosum glandis is also called the glans corpus cavernosum. It is the erectile tissue of the glans penis. The glans corpus cavernosum is the continuation of the corpus spongiosum penis. It is located at the anterior end of the penis. The corpus cavernosum clitoridis is initially expanded in pairs. It then unites in the area of the clitoral glans to form the corpus clitoridis. The anus also has a cavernous body. The corpus cavernosum recti, also known as the haemorrhoidal plexus, is formed from a plexus of sinusoids. Sinusoids are blood vessels that do not have muscular wall portions. The sinusoids of the anal sphincter are supplied with blood from the superior rectal artery.
Function and Tasks
The corpora cavernosa in the human body perform different functions. The corpus cavernosum penis is bloodless when the member is flaccid. During an erection, the so-called spermatic arteries (arteriae helicinae) open. This allows the corpus cavernosum to fill with blood. At the same time, the venous outflow is blocked, so that the blood collects in the corpus cavernosum. The connective tissue capsule that surrounds the corpus cavernosum ensures that the penis stiffens and lengthens. Without the connective tissue capsule, the penis would balloon during an erection. The corpus spongiosum penis is also supplied with blood when the penis is flaccid. During an erection, venous blood outflow is throttled, causing the corpus spongiosum to swell slightly. The connective tissue sheath of the urethral corpus cavernosum prevents the urethra from being compressed. The glans corpus cavernosum provides the characteristic thickening of the glans during male erection. The corpus cavernosum of the tickler has similar functions to the corpus cavernosum of the penis. When the corpus cavernosum clitoridis swells, the clitoral glans is exposed. The corpus cavernosum recti serves the fine closure of the anal sphincter. Thus, the anal sphincter has a sealing function.
Diseases
When the erectile tissue of the male member does not function properly, erectile dysfunction can result. The term erectile dysfunction is used when an erection cannot be achieved and maintained despite adequate sexual arousal. About half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from erectile dysfunction. These can be more or less pronounced. The causes of erectile dysfunction vary widely.Thus, disorders in the nervous system, in the blood vessels of the corpus cavernosum and in the corpus cavernosum itself can prevent erection. The reasons for these disorders can be very different. Injuries or surgeries in the pelvic and genital areas can prevent blood flow into the corpora cavernosa and thus hinder an erection. If there is not enough blood flowing into the corpora cavernosa, the vascular plexuses cannot fill sufficiently with blood. The desired erection of the penis fails to occur. Equally obstructive to an erection is a disruption in venous outflow. If the venous blood flows out of the penile corpus directly, the erection cannot be maintained for long. Arteriosclerosis can also lead to erectile dysfunction. In arteriosclerosis, the arterial blood vessels in the body have calcified. As a result, blood can no longer flow freely. The impaired blood flow is also noticeable on the penis. If the blood flow is too low, the erectile tissue cannot fill with blood. An erection of the penis is therefore not possible. Risk factors of erectile dysfunction include obesity, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, diabetes mellitus, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The erectile tissue at the anus can cause discomfort in the form of hemorrhoids. When the blood vessels dilate, the vascular plexus sinks downward. The most common cause is heavy pressing during defecation. Pregnant women also often have problems with hemorrhoids.
