BULBOCAVERNOUS REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The bulbocavernous reflex refers to a physiological reflex action that occurs in the human body as a natural response to sexual stimulation or arousal. Specifically, it is a reflex mechanism that involves the contraction of the bulbocavernous muscles, located at the base of the penis in males or at the entrance of the vagina in females.
This reflex is triggered by sensory stimulation of the genitals, which sends signals to the bulbocavernous nerves. These nerves then transmit the signals to the central nervous system, specifically the sacral region of the spinal cord. The sacral region processes the signals and initiates a rapid and involuntary contraction of the bulbocavernous muscles.
The bulbocavernous reflex serves several important functions in sexual physiology. In males, it contributes to the erection of the penis by compressing the deep dorsal vein and reducing blood outflow. In females, it helps to tighten the vaginal entrance during sexual activity, enhancing sexual pleasure for both partners. Additionally, the reflex aids in maintaining sexual arousal and facilitating ejaculation in males, and may assist in achieving orgasm in females.
Overall, the bulbocavernous reflex plays a vital role in sexual response and function. It is an automatic, involuntary response that helps to promote and facilitate sexual activity by controlling the movements and contractions of specific muscles involved in sexual arousal and satisfaction.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BULBOCAVERNOUS REFLEX
- b ulbocavernous reflex
- bu lbocavernous reflex
- bul bocavernous reflex
- bulb ocavernous reflex
- bulbo cavernous reflex
- bulboc avernous reflex
- bulboca vernous reflex
- bulbocav ernous reflex
- bulbocave rnous reflex
- bulbocaver nous reflex
- bulbocavern ous reflex
- bulbocaverno us reflex
- bulbocavernou s reflex
- bulbocavernous r eflex
- bulbocavernous re flex
- bulbocavernous ref lex
- bulbocavernous refl ex
- bulbocavernous refle x
Etymology of BULBOCAVERNOUS REFLEX
The word "bulbocavernous reflex" is composed of two main parts - "bulbo-" and "cavernous" - along with the suffix "-reflex".
1. "Bulbo-" is derived from the Latin word "bulbus", meaning "bulb" or "rounded swelling". In this context, it refers to the bulb-like structure in the brain known as the medulla oblongata, specifically the bulbous region called the "bulb" or "bulbar" region.
2. "Cavernous" comes from the Latin word "caverna", meaning "cave". It is commonly used to refer to something that resembles a network of interconnected caves or a sponge-like structure with numerous caverns.
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