PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil) are indicated for ED by way of increasing blood flow in the corpus cavernosum (labeled D) of the penis
Due to its pink staining, I thought B was smooth muscle surrounding the corpus cavernosum. But I suppose that the cells composing the CC are contractile by themselves? And my assumption would make the penis a giant muscle โ which it most certainly is not...
cGMP is broken down by phosphodiesterase so phosphodiesterase inhibitors will cause more cGMP and more vasodilation.
submitted by โneovanilla(57)
A = Maybe the superficial dorsal vein
B = Areolar tissue
C = Urethra (surrounded by corpus spongiosum)
D = Corpus cavernosum (correct answer)
Sildenafil increases blood flow to the penis by dilating the corpus cavernosum (increased NO via inhibition of PDE5 --> cGMP --> smooth muscle relaxation). It doesn't actually affect the blood vessels supplying the corpus cavernosum, I believe