• The penis is the male organ of copulation and is the common outlet for both urine and

semen.

• The left and right corpora cavernosa comprise the largest part of the body of the penis.

• They are anterior extensions of the crura located within the urogenital region and they are
in close contact with each other along their medial aspects.

• Along the urethral surface there is a wide, shallow, longitudinal groove between the
paired corpora along which runs the corpora spongiosum.

• A similar but smaller groove along the dorsal surface is the location of the deep dorsal
vein of the penis.

• The corpora end in rounded tips attached to the convex proximal base of the glans penis.

• Each corpus is surrounded by the circular fibers of a tunica albuginea, which merge with
each other between the two corpora to create the septum of the penis. The fibers also
penetrate the corpus cavernosum to become continuous with the connective tissue
surrounding the deep arteries. This creates a spoke-like, supporting structure.

• The corpora are made of sponge-like tissue with many irregular blood-filled spaces. In
response to sexual stimulation (either mental or physical) the smooth muscle of the
arteries supplying the penis relaxes allowing more blood to flow in to fill the spaces of the
spongy tissue with blood.

• In erection, 90% of the blood filling the penis is found within the corpora cavernosa. The
remaining 10% is found in the corpus spongiosum.

• The blood leaves the erectile tissue through veins in the outside wall of the corpora
cavernosa.

• With the tunica preventing excessive expansion in diameter of the corpora cavernosa, the
pressure of the engorged tissue pressing against the dense tunica albuginea constricts
the veins and prevents drainage. The penis then becomes rigid as a result of the
restriction of venous return.

• The erection subsides when the relaxation of the smooth muscle of the arteries is
reversed. The diameter of the vessels is reduced and blood flow into the penis
decreases, easing the constriction on the veins and allowing blood to drain away.