Erection

:This article discusses physiological erection. For erection of manmade structures, see construction.

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An erection of the penis occurs when engorgement of venous blood in two tubular structures at the bottom of the penis, the copora cavernosa, results from a variety of stimuli. The corpus spongiosum is a single tubular structure located just above the corpora carvernonosa, and contains the male urethra, through which urine and semen pass during ejaculation and urination, respectively. This may also become slightly engorged with blood, but less so than the corpora cavernosa. Penile erection usually results from sexual stimulation and/or arousal, but can also occur by such causes as a full urinary bladder or spontaneously, most commonly during erotic or wet dreams. An erection results in swelling and enlargement of the penis or the swelling of the female counterpart to the penis, clitoris. Erection enables sexual intercourse and other sexual activities, though it is not essential for all sexual activities.

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In addition to sexual arousal, erection in males can be caused by mechanical stimulation, or by the pressure of the filled urinary bladder. Erections when waking up are common, most likely due to a full bladder. They sometimes already occur in infant boys, and in utero.

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Penis: The penis (plural penises or penes) or phallus (plural phalli) is the external male copulatory organ of some animals, and, in mammals, the external male organ of urination....

Copora cavernosa: The corpora carvernosa (singular is corpus cavernosum) are two tubular shaped structures located on the dorsal, or back side of the male penis. They lie just underneath of the skin, and consist mostly of vascular (especially venous) structures, along with fibrous supporting tissue. The are essenti...

Ejaculation: :This article is about male ejaculation. See female ejaculation for the phenomenon of emission of fluids from the genitals in females. See ejaculation (grammar) for the speech phenomenon....