The corpora cavernosa are the dual chambers of the penis that are involved in an erection. Some disorders, though uncommon, may affect these portions of the penis and require medical advice.
Definition
The corpora cavernosa are two cylindrical chambers filled with spongy tissue that run parallel to each other in the penis. The corpora cavernosa account for most of the body of the penis.
Physiology
The corpora cavernosa--or corpus cavernosum, if speaking of each cylinder individually---fill with blood during sexual arousal and cause the penis to become erect. This cycle begins when there is sexual stimulation (either mental or physical). The arousal triggers the blood vessels in the corpora cavernosa to relaxm and the chambers of spongy tissue fill up with blood.
The pressure from the blood-filled chambers causes the penis to expand, leading to an erection.
A membrane surrounds the corpora cavernosa that aids in keeping the blood within the cylinders. An erection subsides when the penile muscles relax, allowing the blood to flow back into the body.
Peyronie's Disease
Peyronie's disease is a disorder of the penis in which the penis becomes bent or crooked during an erection. The exact cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown, but it physically presents as plaques or scar tissue forming underneath the skin of the penis.
Depending where the scar tissue forms, the erect penis may bend to either side, to the top, or to the bottom---sometimes even developing on two sides at once, causing the erect penis to have an hourglass shape.
This disorder affects less than 1 percent of all men and is more common in middle-aged men, but can occur earlier or later.
Symptoms may develop over a long period of time or may appear quickly. They include: painful erection, a bend/curve in the erect penis, shortening of the penis, and/or what may feel like a thickness or toughness under the skin on one or more sides of the penis.
Priapism
Priapism is the term for a persistent erection of the penis, which often causes discomfort and/or pain. This condition is not related to sexual activity and cannot be relieved by orgasm.
Erections that last from hours to days may be caused by such factors as injury to the area, certain medications, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and spinal cord problems.
It is important to obtain treatment for this condition, as permanent damage to the penis can occur if the priapism continues. Immediate medical treatment is warranted for an erection that lasts longer than four hours.
Penile Implants
Penile implants are sometimes used to treat Peyronies disease. Other uses are for men whose erectile dysfunction did respond to less invasive treatments and who still wish to be sexually active. The penile implants are surgically placed into the corpora cavernosa and may be of an inflatable or semi-rigid rod type.
Disclaimer
This information is not a substitute for advice from or treatment by a health-care provider.
Tags: corpora cavernosa, erect penis, penis which, scar tissue, spongy tissue, with blood