The anatomy of the male orgasm

Ejaculation in men is a story of sweat and cheers. Nerves, blood vessels, tissues and friction play important roles. Running along the length of the penis are two cavernous like a sponge chambers, called the corpora cavernosa or the erectile tissues, containing a maze of blood vessels consisting of arteries, several veins and nerves. The urethra, which runs along the underside of the corpora cavernosa, serves as the passageway for urine and ejaculate sperm and semen. The longest part of the penis is the shaft, and at the end of the shaft is the head glans penis that is very sensitive. The opening at the tip of the head where urine and semen are discharged is called the meatus.

Ejaculation is the discharge of semen normally containing sperm from the male reproductory tract , usually accompanied by orgasm. It is the final stage and natural objective of male sexual stimulation , and an essential component of natural conception. In rare cases, ejaculation occurs because of prostatic disease. Ejaculation may also occur spontaneously during sleep a nocturnal emission or "wet dream". Anejaculation is the condition of being unable to ejaculate. Ejaculation is usually very pleasurable for men; dysejaculation is an ejaculation that is painful or uncomfortable. Retrograde ejaculation is the condition where semen travels backwards into the bladder rather than out the urethra.

Orgasm and ejaculation are two separate physiological processes that are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Orgasm is an intense transient peak sensation of intense pleasure creating an altered state of consciousness associated with reported physical changes. Antegrade ejaculation is a complex physiological process that is composed of two phases emission and expulsion , and is influenced by intricate neurological and hormonal pathways.

When the blood vessels of the corpora cavernosa relax and open up, blood rushes in through the cavernosus arteries to fill them. The blood then gets trapped under high pressure, creating an erection. Sexual stimulation and friction provide the impulses that are delivered to the spinal cord and into the brain. Ejaculation is a reflex action controlled by the central nervous system. It is triggered when the sexual act reaches a critical level of excitement.