26 



The Histology and Physiology of the 



Fig. 8. 



Transverse Section of the Conn's Cavernosfm (Man). Prepared in Alcohol. 

 Treated at first with Carmine, and afterward with Acetic acid and 

 Glycerine, and preserved in Farrant's Liquor. Magnified 160 Dia- 

 meters. 



The object of this figure is to represent the communication of the veins with 

 the meshes of the corpus cavernosum (and spongiosum). The dark portion of the 

 picture indicates the corpus cavernosum, o, a, the lighter portion the albuginea 

 of the corpus cavernosum, b, b, b. The meshes are all filled with blood, in conse- 

 quence of which the structure of this part appears considerably more distinct than 

 when these cavities are empty. Internal to the albuginea of the corpus cavernosum 

 are seen a large number of veins, c, c, c, forming a plexus. The direct connection 

 of some of these veins with the meshes of the corpus cavernosum can be seen 

 at *, *. 



In the passive condition the natural tonicity of the muscular 

 trellis-work of the penis is sufficient to maintain the walls of the 

 venous cells in apposition ; and they, together with the sphinctoric 

 action of the circular fibres around the mouths of the arterial heli- 

 cinse, prevent the flow of blood into these cells. But, when the parts 

 are stimulated to erection, the muscular bands are obliged to yield 

 to the distending force of the blood (according to Miiller, it appears 

 that the blood accumulating in the penis during erection is subjected 

 to a pressure equal to that of a column of water six feet in height). 

 The meshes become filled, and remain so until the stimulus to erec- 



