Sympathetic level for the erectile tissue of the penis.

Sympathetic level for the erectile tissue of the penis.

• A. T10-11
• B. T9-11
• C. T10-L2
• D. T11-L2

Answer: (D)

Sympathetic input to the penile erectile tissue comes from the thoracolumbar outflow, with preganglionic neurons located around T11 to L2. These fibers travel via the lumbar splanchnic nerves and pelvic plexuses (through the hypogastric plexus) to reach the penile arteries and erectile tissue. They mainly mediate detumescence and ejaculation, while erection is driven by parasympathetic fibers from S2–S4. In this context, the relevant sympathetic level is the T11–L2 range, which is why that option is the best choice.

Sympathetic input to the penile erectile tissue comes from the thoracolumbar outflow, with preganglionic neurons located around T11 to L2. These fibers travel via the lumbar splanchnic nerves and pelvic plexuses (through the hypogastric plexus) to reach the penile arteries and erectile tissue. They mainly mediate detumescence and ejaculation, while erection is driven by parasympathetic fibers from S2–S4. In this context, the relevant sympathetic level is the T11–L2 range, which is why that option is the best choice.