The Microarchitecture of the Intracavernosal Smooth Muscle and the Cavernosal Fibrous Skeleton

Abstract

The bulk of the parenchyma of the corpora cavernosa consists of bundles of smooth muscle fibers. These bundles are oriented in all directions and establish at least 2 insertions upon elements of the fibrous skeleton of the corpora. The fibrous skeleton includes the tunica albuginea and its fibrous columns, the intracavernous fibrous framework, and the periarterial and perineural fibrous sheaths. The cavernous vascular spaces (sinusoids) form an intercommunicating network embedded within the mass of smooth muscle. Thus, the smooth muscle does not form a muscular wall proper for each sinusoid.