Erectile tissue

Erectile tissue (/ɪˈrɛktɪl ˈtɪʃuː/), also known as corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum, is a type of tissue found in the human body that becomes firm and engorged with blood when sexually aroused.

Etymology

The term "erectile" is derived from the Latin word "erectus", meaning "upright", and "tissue" from the Greek word "histos", meaning "web" or "tissue". The term "corpus cavernosum" is Latin for "cavernous body", and "corpus spongiosum" is Latin for "spongy body".

Function

Erectile tissue is primarily found in the penis and clitoris, and plays a crucial role in sexual arousal and reproduction. When sexually stimulated, the erectile tissue fills with blood, causing the penis or clitoris to become erect. This process is known as vasocongestion.

Structure

Erectile tissue is composed of smooth muscle, connective tissue, and vascular spaces. The corpus cavernosum is a pair of sponge-like regions of erectile tissue which contain most of the blood in the penis during an erection. The corpus spongiosum is a single mass of erectile tissue which lies beneath the corpus cavernosum and surrounds the urethra.

Related Terms

Vasocongestion: The process by which body tissues become filled with blood, leading to erection.
Penis: The male genital organ, which contains erectile tissue.
Clitoris: The female sexual organ, which also contains erectile tissue.
Urethra: The duct through which urine is discharged in most mammals and which in males serves also as the ejaculatory duct.