Name: What we didn't know about penis anatomy
Uploaded: 2012-06-05T14:59:51Z
Duration: 11 min 3 s
Description: We're not done with anatomy. We know a tremendous amount about genomics, proteomics and cell biology, but as Diane Kelly makes clear at TEDMED, there are basic facts about the human body we're still learning. Case in point: How does the mammalian erection work?

We're not done with anatomy. We know a tremendous amount about genomics, proteomics and cell biology, but as Diane Kelly makes clear at TEDMED, there are basic facts about the human body we're still learning. Case in point: How does the mammalian erection work?

What we didn't know about penis anatomy

Anatomy still holds vital mysteries, even in an age obsessed with genetics. By investigating how the penis achieves rigidity, researchers found a totally unique way fibers are arranged in its wall, unlike any other known biological skeleton. This discovery not only advanced our understanding of sexual function but also hinted at broader applications, from medical prosthetics to robotics. Sometimes, the most basic questions about our bodies spark the most unexpected breakthroughs.