Question

At the time of sexual excitation, muscles of penis are

• A. Relaxed
• B. Contracted
• C. Collapsed
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Relaxed

Under the skin, the penis consists of three parallel columns of erectile tissue: two cavernous bodies and one spongy body. The spongy body surrounds the portion of the urethra that passes through the penis. Erectile tissue contains numerous blood vessels. When the male is sexually stimulated, parasympathetic neurons dilate the arteries in the penis (parasympathetic stimulation causes relaxation of muscles). As blood fills the blood vessels of the erectile tissue, the tissue swells. This compresses veins that conduct blood away from the penis, slowing the outflow of blood. Thus, more blood enters the penis than can leave, further engorging the erectile tissue with blood. Penile erection occurs; the penis increases in length, diameter, and firmness. Although the human penis contains no bone, penis bones do occur in some other mammals, such as bats, rodents, and some primates.