Describe the erection reflex

What will be an ideal response?


The erection reflex is a spinal reflex triggered by stimulation of highly sensitive mechanoreceptors located in the glans penis. An erection-generating center lies in the lower spinal cord. Tactile stimulation of the glans reflexively triggers, by means of this center, increased parasympathetic vasodilator activity and decreased sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity to the penile arterioles. The result is rapid, pronounced vasodilation of these arterioles and an ensuing erection. As long as this spinal reflex arc remains intact, erection is possible even in men paralyzed by a higher spinal-cord injury.

Anatomy & Physiology

You might also like to view...

EMG is the abbreviation for ____________________. ________________________________________

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Anatomy & Physiology

The fusion of a sperm cell and secondary oocyte is known as:

A) capacitation. B) ovulation. C) meiosis. D) fertilization.

Anatomy & Physiology

Which of the following shows the fine structure of a plasmalemma (cell membrane) and the details of intracellular structures?

A) light microscopy B) ultrasound C) transmission electron microscopy D) magnetic resonance imaging E) scanning electron microscopy

Anatomy & Physiology

What does the chromatophilic substance in a neuron consist of?

A. Lipofuscin B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum C. Rough endoplasmic reticulum D. Neurotransmitters E. Synaptic vesicles

Anatomy & Physiology