Phenomena and Processes

Penile Erection

The state of the PENIS when the erectile tissue becomes filled or swollen (tumid) with BLOOD and causes the penis to become rigid and elevated. It is a complex process involving CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS; HORMONES; SMOOTH MUSCLES; and vascular functions.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The state of the PENIS when the erectile tissue becomes filled or swollen (tumid) with BLOOD and causes the penis to become rigid and elevated. It is a complex process involving CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM; PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS; HORMONES; SMOOTH MUSCLES; and vascular functions.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

6 entry terms
  • Erection, Penile
  • Nocturnal Penile Tumescence
  • Penile Tumescence
  • Tumescence, Penile
  • Penile Tumescence, Nocturnal
  • Tumescence, Nocturnal Penile

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

6 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, immunology, physiology, psychology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

History Note

86

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Penis (1966-1985)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. G08.686.784w.717w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WP 950

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Penile Erection. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D010410. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D010410
  2. Penile Erection. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erection
  3. Penile Erection. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133993