Quick Facts
Location: Penis shaft.
Arterial Supply: Deep artery of Penis.
Venous Drainage: Deep Dorsal Vein.
Innervation: Parasympathetic: Cavernous nerve.
Lymphatic Drainage: Internal iliac nodes.
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure/Morphology
A common misconception is that the corpus cavernosum is two distinct structures. It is actually a singular structure that is separated in the midline by a fibrous septum. The septum is incomplete distally to allow for the communication of blood flow. There are dilatable spaces within the corpus cavernosum of the penis, which fill with blood and become distended during erection.
Anatomical Relations
The corpus cavernosum is located along the dorsal side of the penis. A wide median grove of the corpus cavernosum contains the singular corpus spongiosum of the penis. The major neurovascular bundle of the penis is located dorsally on the corpus cavernosa.
Function
The corpus cavernosum helps to maintain erections by preventing blood return from the penis through the deep dorsal vein of the penis.
Arterial Supply
The corpus cavernosum is supplied by the deep artery of the penis, which is a terminal branch of the internal pudendal artery. It pierces the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm and runs in the corpus cavernous penis.
Venous Drainage
The cavernous veins from the deep dorsal vein drain the corpus cavernosum. These veins ultimately drain into the internal pudendal veins.
Innervation
Innervation of the corpus cavernosum is supplied by the cavernous nerves, which are derived from the prostatic plexus of nerves. The cavernous nerves are postganglionic parasympathetic nerves that facilitate penile erection.
Lymphatic Drainage
The lymph of the corpus cavernosum is drained by the internal iliac lymph nodes.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Erectile dysfunction
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Corpus Cavernosum
Lacunar spaces are specialized, widely communicating endothelial-lined vascular spaces in the interior of the corpus cavernosum that are surrounded by the trabeculae consisting of connective tissue and corporal smooth muscle.
