The key difference between corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum is that corpus cavernosum is an erectile tissue of the penis located on either side of the ureter, while corpus spongiosum is an erectile tissue of the penis located along the underside of the penis and surrounding the male urethra within the penis.
The corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum are two different types of erectile tissues in male anatomy that help with erections. Normally, there are three erectile tissues (two cavernosa and the spongiosum). They are expandable, sponge-like structures involved in the process of penile erection. The corpus cavernosum becomes engorged with more blood to maintain a proper erection, while the function of the corpus spongiosum is to prevent the urethra from pinching closed.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Corpus Cavernosum
3. What is Corpus Spongiosum
4. Similarities – Corpus Cavernosum and Corpus Spongiosum
5. Corpus Cavernosum vs. Corpus Spongiosum in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Corpus Cavernosum vs. Corpus Spongiosum
What is Corpus Cavernosum?
The corpus cavernosum refers to one of the paired structures in the male reproductive system that play a crucial role in penile erection. It is a spongy tissue with blood vessels that make the penis hard when it fills with blood during an erection. About 90 % of blood during the erection fill in the corpus cavernosum. Therefore, in an erection, this spongy tissue makes the penis hard enough to penetrate the vagina. Moreover, muscle tissue helps with contractions that facilitate the movement of semen containing sperm out of the tip of the penis.
The corpus cavernosum is made of smooth muscle and structures called intracavernosal struts. Some of the common conditions that affect the corpus cavernosum are erectile dysfunction, penile cancer, thrombosis, penile fracture, Peyronie’s disease, priapism, ejaculation disorders, and cellulitis. The common tests to check the health of the corpus cavernosum include medical history, physical examination, ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, and MRI. Furthermore, common treatments for conditions affecting corpus cavernosum may include medications (antibiotics and pain relievers), surgery, and chemotherapy.
What is Corpus Spongiosum?
The corpus spongiosum is a spongy erectile tissue surrounding the male urethra within the penis. The corpus spongiosum plays an important role in erection by preventing the urethra from pinching closed. This helps to maintain the urethra as a viable opened channel for ejaculation. Moreover, the corpus spongiosum also contributes to the overall rigidity and shape of the penis during an erection. The corpus spongiosum is made up of smooth muscles, collagen, and elastic fibers.
Some of the common conditions that affect the corpus spongiosum are erectile dysfunction and urethral stricture. Common tests to check the health of the corpus spongiosum include sexual history, mental health or physical examination, and imaging tests like X-ray and MRI. Furthermore, common treatments for conditions affecting corpus spongiosum may include medications (sildenafil), dilation, urethrotomy, and open surgeries.
What are the Similarities Between Corpus Cavernosum and Corpus Spongiosum?
- The corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum are two different types of erectile tissues in male anatomy.
- Both are spongy erectile tissues.
- They are found within the penis.
- Both erectile tissues are made up of smooth muscle cells.
- They help erection and reproduction.
- Both erectile tissues are affected by different conditions.
- The conditions affecting these erectile tissues can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests.
- The conditions affecting these erectile tissues can be treated through medications and surgeries.
What is the Difference Between Corpus Cavernosum and Corpus Spongiosum?
Corpus cavernosum is an erectile tissue of the penis located on either side of the ureter, while corpus spongiosum is an erectile tissue of the penis located along the underside of the penis and surrounding the male urethra within the penis. Thus, this is the key difference between corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum. Furthermore, there are two corpus cavernosum inside the penis, but there is only one corpus spongiosum.
The infographic below presents the differences between corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Corpus Cavernosum vs. Corpus Spongiosum
The corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum are two different types of erectile tissues in male anatomy. There are two corpus cavernosum and only one corpus spongiosum in the penis of males. Both these tissues help with erection and reproduction. Corpus cavernosum helps proper erection by filling up with blood, whereas corpus spongiosum helps to maintain the urethra as a viable opened channel for ejaculation. Moreover, corpus cavernosum is a spongy erectile tissue located on either side of the ureter within the penis, while corpus spongiosum is a spongy erectile tissue surrounding the male urethra within the penis. So, this summarizes the difference between corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum.
Reference:
1. “Corpus Cavernosum Penis.” Encyclopædia Britannica.
3. “Corpus Spongiosum Penis Anatomy, Function & Diagram | Body Maps.” Healthline.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Human male reproductive system en” By Wumingbai – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia