Neural Control of Pelvic Function 7 Flashcards

Describe the sequence of events in male and female sexual arousal and climax.

1
Q

What are some of the physical events that occur in male arousal?

A
  • Penile erection mediated by vasodilation of erectile tissue, producing tumescence
  • Contraction of striated penile muscles leads to rigid erection
  • Arterial blood flow increases several fold during erection
    • arteries are responsible for tumescence, not veins
  • Penile volume increases 80-200 mL - pressures can be as great as 1500 mmHg
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2
Q

Describe the process of detumescence.

A
  • Active process mediated by vasoconstriction
  • Due to NE released from non-cavernous nerve sympathetic postganglionic fibers
    • caudal sympathetic chain
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3
Q

What is the mechanism of vaginal lubrication in female arousal?

A
  • First sign of sexual arousal in females
    • 5-15 seconds after stimulation begins
  • Probably active transport driven
    • contains high K+, low Na+ compared to plasma
  • Mechanism of production is unknown
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4
Q

What is the mechanism of clitoral erection in female arousal?

A
  • Similar to penile erection
  • Vasodilation mediated by the cavernous nerve
    • striated muscle activity probably not important
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5
Q

What is the mechanism of genital vasocongestion during female arousal?

A
  • Tissue becomes greatly engorged with blood
  • Due to great increase in blood flow (vasodilation) and maybe vasoconstriction
  • Autonomic mechanisms are unclear
  • Returns to basal state following orgasm
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6
Q

What are the physical events that occur during the emission phase of male climax?

A
  • Strong contraction of the internal and external urethral sphincter
  • Fluids from the prostate, seminal vesicle, and ductus deferens enter into the prostatic urethra
  • Pressure within the urethra increases due to fluid and contraction of both smooth and striated muscle contraction
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7
Q

What are the phsyical events that lead to ejaculation in the male climax?

A
  • Internal urethral sphincter remains closed
  • When volume/pressure reaches a certain point, external urethral sphincter opens
    • either can be reflexively or volunterily
  • Seminal fluids ejected into the urethral bulb
  • Powerful, rhythmic contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles eject the semen
  • Simultaneous contractions of ischiocavernosus muscle and external anal and urethral sphincters
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8
Q

What are the physical events that occur during the female climax?

A
  • Consists of rhythmic (3-10) contractions of the perineal muscles
  • In general, physiology very similar to males
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