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Ch. 26 The Reproductive System
Amerman- Human Anatomy & Physiology 3e
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 3rd EditionCh. 26 The Reproductive SystemProblem 8
Chapter 26, Problem 8

Internally, the penis contains three cylindrical erectile bodies, the paired ________ and the ________.

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Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the penis. The penis contains three cylindrical erectile bodies that are responsible for its structure and function during erection.
Step 2: Recall that two of these erectile bodies are paired structures located on the dorsal side of the penis. These are called the corpora cavernosa.
Step 3: Identify the third erectile body, which is a single, unpaired structure located on the ventral side of the penis. This is called the corpus spongiosum.
Step 4: Note that the corpus spongiosum surrounds the urethra and helps maintain the patency of the urethra during erection, while the corpora cavernosa are primarily responsible for the rigidity of the erection.
Step 5: Fill in the blanks with the correct terms: the paired 'corpora cavernosa' and the 'corpus spongiosum'.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Erectile Tissue

Erectile tissue is a type of tissue that can fill with blood and expand, leading to an erection. In the penis, this tissue is primarily found in three cylindrical structures: the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum. The ability of these tissues to engorge with blood is crucial for sexual arousal and function.
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Corpora Cavernosa

The corpora cavernosa are two cylindrical structures located on the dorsal side of the penis. They are responsible for the majority of the erectile capacity during arousal, as they fill with blood and expand, leading to an erection. Their structural integrity and blood flow are vital for achieving and maintaining an erection.
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Corpus Spongiosum

The corpus spongiosum is a single cylindrical structure that surrounds the urethra and runs along the underside of the penis. Unlike the corpora cavernosa, it remains softer during an erection, preventing the urethra from being compressed. This allows for the passage of urine and semen, playing a critical role in reproductive and urinary functions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following ligaments does not attach to the ovaries?

a. Lateral cervical ligaments

b. Broad ligament

c. Ovarian ligament

d. Suspensory ligament

e. All of these attach to the ovaries

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Textbook Question

Mr. Hassan has recently started getting up during the night to urinate and has also noticed that he is having trouble emptying his bladder. He has made a doctor's appointment, but his wife has already told him that the doctor will want to check his prostate. Do you think his wife is correct? Explain your answer.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following hormones is/are not produced by the ovaries?

a. Relaxin

b. Inhibin

c. Estrogens

d. Oxytocin

e. Progesterone

Textbook Question

What are the three regions of the male urethra?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following areas in the female reproductive tract is the site of fertilization?

a. Uterus

b. Ampulla of the uterine tube

c. Vagina

d. Cervix of the uterus

e. Any of these areas are possible sites of fertilization