Re: Can a man have an erection deep underwater

Date: Sat Feb 21 19:30:02 2004
Posted By: William M. Rich, MD faculty,Univ. Med. Ctr
Area of science: Medicine
ID: 1076484153.Me

Message:


Andrew,

An erection is caused by blood distending the vessels in the penis. The 
presure of venous blood as it returns to the heart is about about 10 cm 
of water. Arterial blood has a mean pressure of about 80mm mercury. In 
general, as long as there is enough pressure on the arterial side to 
perfuse the tissues, you can get an erection.

Current Queue | Current Queue for Medicine | Medicine archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Medicine.