TH1.H1.3D2 Helicine Artery of Penis

Micrograph of Helicine Artery:

  • Compare the organisation of the tunica media of this helicine artery with a "normal" muscular artery
  • The tunica media of this helicine artery contains an inner longitudinal layer of smooth muscle and an outer circular layer of smooth muscle
  • When the tunica media contracts (its usual state) the lumen of the artery is occluded and no blood will pass through
  • These arteries supply sinusoids (spaces) in the erectile tissue which causes the organ to become erect (penis/clitoris)
  • The supply of oxygen and nutrients to these tissues is provided by "normal" arteries
  • Helicine Artery of Penis

    This micrograph shows a helicine artery supplying the erectile tissue of the penis, similar arteries supply the erectile tissue of the clitoris (L = lumen of artery)