title: Clinical neuroanatomy and neurotransmitter-mediated regulation of penile erection.
abstract: Erectile dysfunction (ED) has an adverse impact on men's quality of life. Penile erection, which is regulated by nerves that are innervated into the erectile tissue, can be affected by functional or anatomical trauma of the perineal region, including specific structures of the penis, causing ED. Penile erection is neurologically controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the neurogenic structure of the erectile tissue and the types of neurotransmitters involved in the penile erection process. Here, we highlight the basic clinical anatomy and erectile function of the penis. Understanding the clinical connotation of the relationship between penile erectile structure and function may provide fresh insights for identifying the main mechanisms involved in ED and help develop surgical techniques for the treatment of ED.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biomedical Science Institution, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Junyang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biomedical Science Institution, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Woo
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Jo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyunseob
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Na Young
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Jeong
keywords: Erectile dysfunction; Neurotransmitter; Parasympathetic nervous system; Penile erection