Erection is an amazing phenomenon and work of nature that occurs spontaneously without using any device to accomplish it. Even though this may occur to be fairly easy and uncomplicated, it is actually not so. Similar to any other function of the body, there is a complex mechanism involved being guided by the central and the autonomous nervous system that works in response to certain stimuli.

These stimuli can be anything that is seen, heard, smelt, imagined or the feeling of touch. The conduction of these stimuli to the brain initiates the nervous system to bring about an erection. The nerves present in the pubic area receive signals from the erectile centers that are present in the sacral and the lumbar areas of the spinal cord that stimulates the release of nitric oxide which acts as a transmitter for the stimuli between the cells.

Arteries in the penis react to the release of nitric oxide by a process known as vasodilatation that causes engorgement of the arteries and allows more blood to flow into the penis. This extra blood enters the spongy tissue called the corpora cavernosa and the tubular structure that allows the urine and the semen to pass through called the corpus spongiosum.

Once the blood has accumulated in these two areas of the penis, the arteries will undergo vasoconstriction to prevent the blood from flowing back. This mechanism is mainly influenced by the actions of the autonomous nervous system and to some extent by the central nervous system. The reverse process is seen once the stimulation is over.

Even though the influence of the central nervous system and the cerebral cortex area of the brain are limited in producing an erection, it can make the penis go flaccid if necessary. That is the reason why certain turnoffs have to be evaded in order to prevent such a situation from setting in. It is also the reason why confidence levels and a positive attitude plays an important role in staying erect with better performance in bed while negative influences can cause problems like erectile dysfunction, impotence and premature ejaculation.

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