Penile artery

Penile Artery

Diagram of the penile artery and surrounding structures.

The penile artery is a vital component of the male reproductive system, responsible for supplying blood to the penis. It plays a crucial role in the physiological process of erection, which is essential for sexual intercourse.

Anatomy

The penile artery is a branch of the internal pudendal artery, which itself is a branch of the internal iliac artery. The internal pudendal artery travels through the pelvic region and gives rise to the penile artery as it approaches the base of the penis.

The penile artery further divides into several branches:

• The dorsal artery of the penis, which runs along the top of the penis and supplies the glans penis and the corpora cavernosa.
• The deep artery of the penis, which travels through the center of the corpora cavernosa and is primarily responsible for engorging these structures with blood during an erection.
• The bulbourethral artery, which supplies the bulb of the penis and the urethra.

Physiology

The penile artery is integral to the process of erection. During sexual arousal, parasympathetic nerve signals cause the smooth muscle in the walls of the penile artery to relax, leading to vasodilation. This increased blood flow fills the corpora cavernosa, causing the penis to become rigid and erect.

The venous drainage of the penis, primarily through the deep dorsal vein of the penis, is restricted during an erection, maintaining the engorgement of the corpora cavernosa.

Clinical Significance

The health of the penile artery is crucial for erectile function. Conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension can impair blood flow through the penile artery, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Penile Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic tool used to assess blood flow in the penile artery and can help diagnose vascular causes of erectile dysfunction.

Related Pages

• Erectile dysfunction
• Internal pudendal artery
• Corpora cavernosa
• Male reproductive system