What is turgidity?

What is turgidity?

• A. Soft distension
• B. Firm distension
• C. Swelling
• D. Detumescence

Answer: (B)

Turgidity is firm distension of tissue due to engorgement with fluid, most often blood in erectile tissue. This engorgement raises the internal hydrostatic pressure, making the tissue feel hard rather than soft. In an erection, the corpora cavernosa become engorged and firm, which is the essence of turgidity. By contrast, soft distension implies a pliable swelling, swelling is a general increase in size without specifying firmness, and detumescence is the subsidence of that distension.

Turgidity is firm distension of tissue due to engorgement with fluid, most often blood in erectile tissue. This engorgement raises the internal hydrostatic pressure, making the tissue feel hard rather than soft. In an erection, the corpora cavernosa become engorged and firm, which is the essence of turgidity. By contrast, soft distension implies a pliable swelling, swelling is a general increase in size without specifying firmness, and detumescence is the subsidence of that distension.