Muscle Involvement, Testosterone, The “Use it or Lose it” Principle, Progressive Resistance Overload, and the Form and Function of the Penis: Type-IIx

[Type-IIx]

Muscle Involvement, Testosterone, The “Use it or Lose it” Principle, Progressive Resistance Overload, and the Form and Function of the Penis

Quasi-Article for the MesoRx Readership (Author: Type-IIx)​

Introduction​

This is not a topic on which I have particular expertise. However, it became apparent during a reading of a topical thread that deeply rooted confusion about the penis exists among the men of MesoRx. I believe that my knowledge is sufficient to clarify so me sources of confusion and even apparent comedy.

Muscle Involvement in the Male Erection​

Muscular Components​

Discrete muscles, such as the bulbocavernosus and ischiocavernosus muscles, can be found surrounding the penis despite not being anatomically within it, they are integral and essential (without them, no erection) to the form and function of the penis.

Smooth muscle tissue comprises the corpora cavernosa, along with endothelial cells and sinews.


Figure 1: The Corpora Cavernosa






Figure 2: PDE-5 Inhibitor (e.g., sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis: 2003)) Regulation of Smooth Muscle Function in the Corpora Cavernosum:

Muscular Action​

The autonomic nervous system and musculoskeletal system interact during the phenomenon of the male erection by:

1. Sexual arousal, stimulating neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine) and NO (www), relaxing the smooth muscles of the bulbocavernosus increasing bloodflow throughout the penis.

2. This increased bloodflow is characterized by a dilation of the vessels, filling the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum.

3. Relaxing the smooth muscles in the corpus cavernosa, permitting blood to coagulate and the whole of the penis to engorge ("erection"). See Figure 2.

4. Trapping of blood: Once the penis becomes erect, the veins that normally allow blood to exit the penis are compressed, trapping the blood in the penis and maintaining the erection.

5. Nervous signaling from the brain and spinal cord regulate the muscular action involved in the erection. These signals release neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine) and hormones (e.g., Testosterone) and directly and indirectly coordinate the relaxation and contraction of the muscles of the penis. (www).

Testosterone​

Muscular Action of Erection​

Testosterone plays a role in promoting sexual desire, or libido. (www). It also helps regulate the production of NO, a key factor involved in the relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. This relaxation allows for increased bloodflow into the penis, which is necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.

Hypogonadism and Sexual Function​

Low testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in penis size due to reduced growth, development, and maintenance of male sexual organs. Hypogonadism can also cause a decrease in muscle mass which can affect the overall size and strength of the penis.

“Use It or Lose It”​

Disuse (e.g., long-term abstinence) can also have a negative impact on penis size and volume. Lack of regular sexual activity or exercise can cause a decrease in bloodflow to the penis, leading to decreased erectile function and decreased penis size. Sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to weight gain, which can cause excess fat accumulation around the genitals and make the penis appear visually smaller to a lay observer.


Smooth penile muscle is responsive to the anabolic stimuli of Testosterone and Progressive Resistance Overload. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in promoting muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristics, including maintenance and development of the penis. Progressive resistance overload, which involves gradually increasing the intensity of exercise or physical activity, can also stimulate muscle growth and improve bloodflow to the penis, potentially leading to enhanced erectile function and overall penile health.

Penis Enlargement: Not Fully Myth​

Traction devices like the Restorex® work by applying a constant stretching force to the tissues of the penis. This continuous stretching over time can stimulate cell growth and expansion in the erectile tissues of the penis, leading to increases in length and girth (circumference). The device may also help to improve bloodflow and increase collagen production in the area, which can contribute to the overall growth of penile tissues.


Still, definitionally, the smooth muscle tissues of the male penis are not striated, or multinucleated, meaning that the growth potential of the male penis, unlike skeletal muscle, is quite limited.

Summary and Concluding Remarks​

Smooth muscle, including that of the penis, possesses anabolic responsiveness but is attenuated in its growth potential due to its being comprised of merely single nuclei cells, unlike skeletal muscle. It is responsive to Testosterone and Progressive Resistance Overload that tend to maintain or stimulate development of male sexual organs and desire (libido). Conversely, hypogonadism (i.e., low testosterone) and/or disuse (e.g., long-term abstinence, sedentariness) tend to cause diminished form and function (i.e., size and erectile quality) of the penis. The musculoskeletal system and endocrine systems are integral components of male sexual function, regulating sexual desire (libido) and tumescence (erection) via nitric oxide (NO) and dopamine.