Neural Control of Pelvic Function 5 Flashcards
Describe the innervation of sexual organs in men and women.
1
Q
Describe the innervation of the male genitalia.
A
- Penile vasodilation mediated by cavernous nerve, which originates in the pelvic plexus and travels alongside the prostate and urethra
- sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons
- Contraction of the penile muscles is mediated by the pudendal nerve
2
Q
Describe the innervation of the female genitalia.
A
- Very similar to innervation of male genitalia
- Likely that the neural mechanisms that mediate climax are also identical
- Spine-mediated with descending control