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

27. The Reproductive System

Introduction to the Reproductive System

Anatomy & Physiology

27. The Reproductive System

Introduction to the Reproductive System

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Multiple Choice

Erection (vasodilation) of the penis or clitoris ________.

is primarily mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system

is caused by contraction of smooth muscle in the erectile tissue

occurs due to decreased blood flow to the erectile tissue

results from increased sympathetic nervous system activity

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the physiological process of erection: Erection is primarily a vascular event involving increased blood flow to the erectile tissue, which is facilitated by relaxation of smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels and erectile tissue.

Recognize the role of the autonomic nervous system: The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for mediating vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) in the erectile tissue, leading to increased blood flow and erection.

Eliminate incorrect options: Contraction of smooth muscle in the erectile tissue would restrict blood flow, which is opposite to what occurs during erection. Similarly, decreased blood flow to the erectile tissue would prevent erection, and increased sympathetic nervous system activity is associated with processes like ejaculation, not erection.

Focus on the correct mechanism: During erection, the parasympathetic nervous system releases nitric oxide (NO), which triggers relaxation of smooth muscle and vasodilation, allowing blood to fill the erectile tissue.

Conclude the correct answer: Based on the physiological explanation, the correct answer is 'is primarily mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system.'