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Neurophysiology of erection and ejaculation.
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Raymond Poincaré Academic Hospital, Garches, Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines University, Garches, France. giuliano@cyber-sante.org
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|October 5, 2011
Summary
Penile erection and ejaculation, while associated, are distinct neurophysiological processes. Understanding their separate neural pathways and modulation is key to comprehending sexual function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Penile erection involves psychoneuroendocrine and neuro-vascular mechanisms, leading to blood engorgement of erectile tissues.
- Ejaculation, the sexual cycle's climax, consists of emission and expulsion phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the neurophysiology governing penile erection and ejaculation.
- To elucidate the distinct neural pathways and central modulatory mechanisms involved in these sexual responses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing scientific literature.
- Analysis of current neurophysiological and pharmacological data.
Main Results:
- Peripheral innervation converges at the pelvic plexus, with spinal cord neurons (sympathetic, parasympathetic, somatic) controlling sexual organs.
- Descending cerebral pathways modulate spinal centers, indicating brain influence on erection and ejaculation.
- Dopamine and serotonin play crucial roles in modulating these processes; erection is not essential for ejaculation.
Conclusions:
- Erection and ejaculation, despite their association, are anatomically, physiologically, and pharmacologically distinct events.
- This distinction is supported by their independent neural control and modulation.
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