What is it about?
This is an anatomical investigation into the structural and functional connection between two distinct types of muscle in the penis: Skeletal Muscle: The voluntary muscles at the very base of the penis (ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus). These are the muscles engaged during Kegel exercises. Smooth Muscle: The involuntary erectile tissue within the corpora cavernosa (the shaft) that relaxes to fill with blood. The Relationship: The study argues these aren't separate systems. It details the precise architecture of how the skeletal muscles anchor to and wrap around the smooth muscle structures, acting as a compressor system to maximize erectile hardness.
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Why is it important?
Understanding Rigidity: It explains that blood filling the smooth muscle (tumescence) isn't enough for full rigidity. The skeletal muscles at the base must contract to pressurize that blood, like stepping on a full water hose. Explaining Therapies: It provides the anatomical basis for why pelvic floor physical therapy (Kegels) can help some men with ED—by strengthening the "compressor" muscles. Surgical Map: For surgeons, knowing exactly where these muscle systems interface is critical to avoid damaging the mechanism during pelvic or reconstructive surgery.
Perspectives
The Surgeon's View (Dr. Hsu): You cannot treat the penis as just a vascular tube. It is a biomechanical device where muscle forces interact. Ignoring the skeletal muscle component is ignoring half the equation of rigidity. The Patient's View: It helps explain the sensation of an erection—why tensing the pelvic floor muscles can momentarily increase hardness.
Professor Geng-Long Hsu
Microsurgical Potency Reconstruction and Research Center, Hsu’s Andrology
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Anatomy of the Human Penis: The Relationship of the Architecture Between Skeletal and Smooth Muscles, Journal of Andrology, May 2004, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2004.tb02810.x.
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