Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

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Multiple Choice

Which type of autonomic innervation of the penis is responsible for erection?

Sympathetic

Parasympathetic

Somatic

Enteric

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the autonomic nervous system in controlling involuntary functions, including sexual responses. The autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, each with distinct roles.

Recall that the parasympathetic division is primarily responsible for 'rest and digest' activities, including vasodilation and increased blood flow to tissues. This is crucial for the physiological process of erection.

Recognize that during an erection, parasympathetic innervation causes the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the penile tissue. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels and allowing increased blood flow into the corpora cavernosa.

Differentiate the roles of the sympathetic and somatic systems. The sympathetic system is involved in ejaculation and detumescence (return to flaccid state), while the somatic system controls voluntary muscle movements, such as those involved in pelvic floor contractions.

Conclude that parasympathetic innervation is responsible for initiating and maintaining an erection by promoting vasodilation and blood flow to the penis.