Erect penis

Original Article:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM00948
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Erect penis

Illustration of erect penis

The penis contains two cylindrical, sponge-like structures (corpus cavernosum). When a male becomes sexually aroused, nerve impulses increase blood flow to both cylinders. This sudden influx of blood causes an erection by expanding, straightening and stiffening the penis.
IM00948

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