Which of the Following is FALSE Regarding Erection of the Penis

Question

Which of the following is FALSE regarding erection of the penis?
A)It is a spinal reflex.
B)It is a result of sympathetic stimulation of vascular smooth muscle in the erectile tissue of the penis.
C)It can be triggered by stimulation of tactile receptors in the penis.
D)It is a result of arteriolar vasodilation and venous constriction of blood vessels in the penis.
E)It can be inhibited by input to the autonomic nerves from higher brain centers.

Accepted Answer

Erection of the penis is a result of parasympathetic stimulation, not sympathetic stimulation. The parasympathetic nervous system causes the release of nitric oxide, which leads to vasodilation and an increase in blood flow to the penis. This results in an erection.