The sympathetic level for the erectile tissue of the penis is the same as which structure?

The sympathetic level for the erectile tissue of the penis is the same as which structure?

• A. Uterus/Cervix T10-L2
• B. Prostate T11-L2
• C. Ovaries/Testes T9-11
• D. Kidneys C2-Vagus

Answer: (B)

Sympathetic innervation of pelvic organs comes from the thoracolumbar spinal levels, typically traveling through the hypogastric plexus to the pelvic contents. The sympathetic fibers that influence the penile erectile tissue originate at about T11 to L2, the same level that supplies the prostate. So, the erectile tissue shares the same sympathetic level as the prostate. Other structures have different levels: uterus/cervix is around T10–L2; ovaries/testes around T9–11; kidneys involve higher levels (and are not driven by vagal input).

Sympathetic innervation of pelvic organs comes from the thoracolumbar spinal levels, typically traveling through the hypogastric plexus to the pelvic contents. The sympathetic fibers that influence the penile erectile tissue originate at about T11 to L2, the same level that supplies the prostate. So, the erectile tissue shares the same sympathetic level as the prostate.

Other structures have different levels: uterus/cervix is around T10–L2; ovaries/testes around T9–11; kidneys involve higher levels (and are not driven by vagal input).