The Fibrous Skeleton of the Corpora Cavernosa and its Probable Function in the Mechanism of Erection

Abstract

The corpora cavernosa contain a fibrous skeleton composed of tunica albuginea with its fibrous columns, periarterial and perineural fibrous sheaths, and an intraparenchymal fibrous framework attached to all fibrous elements of the corpora cavernosa. This anatomical arrangement probably plays an important part in the firmness of the corpora cavernosa during erection. The fibrous framework, due to its neumerous attachments to the deep surface of the tunica albuginea and its columns, when stretched during erection, prevents bending and deformation of the corpora cavernosa.