Corpus cavernosum
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The corpus cavernosum penis (or corpus cavernosum urethrae) is one of two sponge-like sections of tissue in the male penis. They contain most of the blood during erection. The term literally means "cave-like body"
The corpus cavernosum are found along the length of the penis. They are located along the penis shaft, from the pubic bones to the head of the penis. The spongy tissue fills with blood. The blood comes from arteries down the length of the penis. The blood fills the corpora cavernosa. This causes it to swell. When swollen, it holds 90% of the blood involved in an erection. This increases both the length and diameter of the penis.
Blood can leave only through a system of veins around the outside wall of the corpus cavernosum. The expanding tissue constricts these veins. This preventing blood from leaving. The penis becomes rigid as a result.
| Reproductive system |
|---|
| Female |
| Cervix | Clitoris | Clitoral hood | Fallopian tubes | Bartholin's glands | G-spot | Hymen | Labium | Mammary glands | Ovaries | Skene's glands | Urethra | Uterus | Vagina | Vulva |
| Male |
| Urethra | Testes | Scrotum | Penis | Spermatic cord | Epididymis | Seminiferous tubules | Sertoli cell | Rete testis | Vas deferens | Seminal vesicles | Ejaculatory duct | Corpus cavernosum | Glans penis | Foreskin | Frenulum | Prostate | Bulbourethral glands |
