Corpus: Deep artery of penis

The deep artery of the penis is a terminal branch of the internal pudendal artery.

The deep artery of the penis originates in the deep perineal space, between the inferior and superior urogenital diaphragmatic fasciae, from the internal pudendal artery. It pierces the inferior urogenital diaphragmatic fascia and enters the superficial perineal space at an angle, continuing into the crus of the penis. From there, it travels distally within the corpus cavernosum, branching within the erectile tissue.

Due to its coiled structure in the flaccid penis, the deep artery of the penis is classified as a helicine artery.

The deep artery of the penis supplies the corpus cavernosum with arterial blood, playing a crucial role in achieving an erection. The helicine arteries, which are typically closed, open during sexual arousal, leading to increased blood flow into the erectile tissue, facilitating penile erection.^[1]

• Waldeyer et al, Human Anatomy: Textbook and Atlas in One Volume (De Gruyter Studium) (19th totaly rev. ed.), De Gruyter, 2012