Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which condition allows males with a spinal cord injury to achieve reflexogenic erections?

1. Below C6

2. A lower motor neuron lesion

3. An upper motor neuron lesion

4. In the sacral area

The correct answer is: An upper motor neuron lesion

Reflexogenic erections occur as a result of intact reflex pathways that originate in the sacral region of the spinal cord. In males with spinal cord injuries, the ability to achieve an erection can depend on the level and nature of the injury. An upper motor neuron lesion, typically found in injuries above the T12 level, allows for reflexogenic erections to happen because the reflex arc remains intact. Although the brain cannot voluntarily control the erection due to the injury, the spinal reflex pathways that facilitate the physiological response to sexual stimulation can still function. This occurs because the sacral nerve roots responsible for erection are intact, enabling the reflexive action even in the absence of higher central nervous system control. In contrast, lower motor neuron lesions, which occur at or below the T12 level, typically disrupt the neural pathways needed for reflexive erections. Therefore, understanding the spinal level of injury and whether it is classified as upper or lower motor neuron is crucial for determining the potential for reflexogenic erections in individuals with spinal cord injuries.