Erection is the scientific term for that state of the penis when the two
corpora cavernosa (two tubular muscles) are filled with blood. This means that
the penis hardens and grows in length to accommodate the extra blood.
Penile erection is usually the result of sexual stimulation, but is also known
to occur spontaneously, most commonly at night during erotic dreams.
Erection in males can be caused by mechanical stimulation, or by the pressure of
the bladder when full. The exact cause of spontaneous erections is not known.
The erection is crucial to sexual intercourse and most other sexual activities
for males.
From the physiological point of view, erection is caused by an increased flow of
blood to the penis and by a strong decrease in the outflow. Muscles around
the penis relax in order to allow the blood into the corpora cavernosa and
corpus spongiosum, while contraction of other muscles reduces the outflow.
As the tubular structures fill with blood, the penis expands in both length and
girth. It also stiffens and rises to a certain angle (which varies from one man
to another).
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the failure to achieve
erection under conditions of stress. This system interferes with the signals
sent by the parasympathetic nervous system, which is actually responsible for
activating the erections. The inability to achieve or maintain erection is known
as impotence, or erectile dysfunction.
Join the growing membership of the
Network Forum For Men! Here you will find
information for today's urban male including body sculpting, sexual techniques
and positions, discuss penis health and enhancement, Q and A relationship
advice, the net's largest erotic photography and video collection, contests and
more. Weekly updates and site interaction keep you interested; dating, sex and
fitness professionals keep you informed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
close window
