erection

erection
/i rek"sheuhn/, n.
1. the act of erecting.
2. the state of being erected.
3. something erected, as a building or other structure.
4. Physiol. a distended and rigid state of an organ or part containing erectile tissue, esp. of the penis or the clitoris.
[1495-1505; < LL erection- (s. of erectio). See ERECT, -ION]

* * *

also called  Penile Erection,  
 enlargement, hardening, and elevation of the male reproductive (reproductive system, human) organ, the penis. Internally, the penis has three long masses of cylindrical tissue, known as erectile tissue, that are bound together by fibrous tissue. The two identical areas running along the sides of the penis are termed corpora cavernosa; the third mass, known as the corpus spongiosum, lies below the corpora cavernosa, surrounds the urethra—(a tube that transports either urine or semen),—and extends forward to form the tip (or glans) of the penis. All three masses are spongelike; they contain large spaces between loose networks of tissue. When the penis is in a flaccid, or resting, state, the spaces are collapsed and the tissue is condensed. During erection, blood flows into the spaces, causing distention and elevation of the penis. The amount of blood entering the penis can be increased by physical or psychological stimulation. As blood enters, there is a temporary reduction in the rate and volume of blood leaving the penis. The arteries carrying blood to the penis dilate; this, in turn, causes tissue expansion. The veins leading from the penis have funnel-shaped valves that reduce the outflow of blood. As the erectile tissue begins to enlarge, the additional pressure causes the veins to be squeezed against the surrounding fibrous tissue, and this further diminishes the outflow of blood. Essentially, blood becomes temporarily trapped in the organ.

      The corpus spongiosum does not become as erect as the corpora cavernosa. The veins are more peripherally located, so that there is a continual outflow of blood in this region. This constant circulation prevents the urethra from being collapsed by the adjacent tissue, which would prevent release of the semen.

      The penis returns to its flaccid state when the arteries relax and begin to contract. Blood flow is once again reduced to its usual rate and volume. As blood drains from the erectile tissue spaces, pressure is reduced on the veins, and flow continues at its normal pace. See also ejaculation.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?
Synonyms:
, / , , / , ,


Look at other dictionaries:

  • érection — [ erɛksjɔ̃ ] n. f. • 1485; lat. erectio, de erigere « dresser » 1 ♦ Littér. Action d ériger, d élever (un monument). ⇒ construction, élévation. L érection d une chapelle, d une statue. ♢ Vieilli Action d établir. ⇒ établissement, fondation,… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Erection — Érection L’érection définit l’état de turgescence du pénis et d’autres organes comme le clitoris. Sommaire 1 Description du phénomène 2 Facteurs biophysiologiques et biochimiques jouant un rôle dans l érection chez l homme …   Wikipédia en Français

  • erection — Erection. s. f. v. Institution, establissement. L erection d un Parlement. l erection d un Presidial. l erection d une Commission, d une Charge en titre d Office. l erection d une terre en Duché. nouvelle erection. ancienne erection. Il n a guere …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie française

  • Erection — E*rec tion, n. [L. erectio: cf. F. [ e]rection.] 1. The act of erecting, or raising upright; the act of constructing, as a building or a wall, or of fitting together the parts of, as a machine; the act of founding or establishing, as a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Erectĭon — (v. lat.), der Zustand von Anspannung, in welchen nervenreiche weiche Körpertheile durch höhere Anregungen des Lebens u. stärkeren Zufluß des Blutes u. Zurückhaltung desselben gerathen, wodurch sie dann zu den Bestimmungen, die sie im Leben haben …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Erection — (v. lat.), die Errichtung geistlicher Ämter u. Pfründen. Die höheren Stellen werden in der Katholischen Kirche vom Papst, die niedern vom Bischof errichtet. Als allgemeiner Grundsatz gilt dabei, daß vorher der Plan für die E. sowohl nach den… …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Erection — Erection, lat. deutsch, Aufrichtung, Anspannung …   Herders Conversations-Lexikon

  • erection — index building (structure), development (building), elevation, structure (edifice) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. Wi …   Law dictionary

  • érection — ÉRECTION: Ne se dit qu en parlant des monuments …   Dictionnaire des idées reçues

  • erection — mid 15c., establishment; advancement, from L.L. erectionem (nom. erectio), noun of action from pp. stem of erigere (see ERECT (Cf. erect)). Meaning the putting up (of a building, etc.), stiffening of the penis are both from 1590s …   Etymology dictionary

  • erection — ► NOUN 1) the action of erecting. 2) a building or other upright structure. 3) an erect state of the penis …   English terms dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”