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Related Concept Videos

Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation01:17

Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation

Sexual stimulation can take various forms, such as physical touch and visual or auditory cues. When this happens, the parasympathetic reflex in the sacral portion of the spinal cord is activated. This reflex stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), which then dilates the arterioles in the penis, increasing blood flow to the erectile tissues - the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum.
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
Penis01:29

Penis

The penis serves a dual role in sexual reproduction and urination. It consists of three main regions: the glans penis, the body, and the root, each with distinct functions and unique anatomical features.
Anatomy of the Penis
The glans penis, or the head, is the terminal part of the penis and houses the external urethral orifice, the exit point for urine and semen. Covered by the prepuce, or foreskin, the glans is noted for its sensitivity and plays a key role in sexual pleasure. The body of the...
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway01:28

Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway

Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure to...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors01:28

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are potent enzymes that function to hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides to their corresponding 5' monophosphates. Their unique biochemical properties have been applied in treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
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Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
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Physiology of Emotion

The physiology of emotions is a multifaceted process involving the autonomic nervous system, brain structures, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This intricate interplay dictates how emotions manifest in the body and influence behavior.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Intracavernosal Pressure Recording to Evaluate Erectile Function in Rodents
08:03

Intracavernosal Pressure Recording to Evaluate Erectile Function in Rodents

Published on: June 6, 2018

Physiology of erection.

Juan I Martínez-Salamanca1, Claudio Martínez-Ballesteros, Luis Portillo

  • 1Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, España. msalamanca99@hotmail.com

Archivos Espanoles De Urologia
|October 28, 2010
PubMed
Summary

This review details the key biochemical, cellular, neural, and microscopic mechanisms underlying human erection. Understanding these principles is crucial for addressing erectile dysfunction and improving sexual health.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Intracavernosal Pressure Recording to Evaluate Erectile Function in Rodents
08:03

Intracavernosal Pressure Recording to Evaluate Erectile Function in Rodents

Published on: June 6, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Human erection is a complex physiological process involving vascular, neural, and cellular components.
  • Previous research has identified several key pathways, but a comprehensive update is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a detailed review and update on the primary mechanisms of human erection.
  • To consolidate current knowledge on biochemical, cellular, neural, and microscopic aspects.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Detailed examination of nitric oxide and Rho-kinase pathways.
  • Analysis of smooth muscle relaxation, autonomic and somatic neural pathways, and penile microanatomy.

Main Results:

  • Elucidation of the intricate interplay between biochemical signaling (e.g., nitric oxide) and cellular processes (smooth muscle relaxation).
  • Comprehensive overview of the neural control of erection, including both autonomic and somatic pathways.
  • Integration of microscopic penile structures with functional mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • A thorough understanding of these integrated mechanisms is essential for diagnosing and treating erectile dysfunction.
  • This review offers a updated framework for researchers and clinicians in the field of sexual medicine.