Penis Body
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Penis Body
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Synonyms:
Arteria pudendalis interna
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Author:
Jana Vasković MD
•
Reviewer:
Roberto Grujičić MD
Last reviewed: July 06, 2022
Reading time: 14 minutes
Honored everywhere from ancient statues and Renaissance paintings to modern-day graffiti, the human genitalia may be the most memorable human organs on the planet. However, there’s no piece of phallic art that can describe the penis as scientifically accurate as human anatomy can.
The penis is a copulatory organ of the external genitalia of the males . It consists of three parts ; root (radix), body (shaft) and glans. The core of the penis contains three erectile tissues, namely the two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum. Furthermore, the penis transmits the penile neurovascular bundle, as well as the terminal part of the urethra , which opens at its tip. Therefore, the penis is a meeting point between the urinary and reproductive systems , and its functions are defined within the spectrum of functions of these two systems;
This article will discuss the anatomy and functions of the penis.
The root of the penis is the most proximal part of the penis. It is located in the urogenital triangle of the perineum , where it is fixed to the pubic symphysis via the two suspensory ligaments of the penis. The root consists of the two muscles (ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles) and proximal expansions of the erectile tissues; the two crura of penis and the bulb of penis.
The crura of penis are the proximal projections of the corpora cavernosa. The crura diverge laterally, with each crus attaching to the ipsilateral ischiopubic ramus.
The bulb of penis is a proximal expansion of the corpus spongiosum. It is located in the interval between the crura of penis, and is proximally continued by the bulbospongiosus muscle . The bulb is pierced by the penile urethra, which after passing through the bulb, continues through the entire length of the corpus spongiosum until reaching the tip of the glans.
The body of penis is the free pendulous part entirely enveloped in skin . Deep to the skin, there are three fasciae that envelop the contents of the penis. From superficial to deep, they are the superficial fascia of penis (dartos fascia of penis), deep fascia of penis (Buck’s fascia) and tunica albuginea.
The shaft of the penis contains three erectile tissues ; the two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum. These tissues extend through the entire body of penis. The corpora cavernosa lie one next to another in the dorsal compartment of the penis, while the corpus spongiosum lies in the ventral groove between them. In addition, the body of penis transmits the urethra and the penile neurovasculature.
The corpora cavernosa are the two erectile masses found within the dorsal part of the penis. Each begins within the root of penis as the crus of penis, traverses the shaft and terminates within the glans.
The corpora cavernosa are enveloped by the tunica albuginea , which is a layer of dense fibroelastic connective tissue . The tunica albuginea consists of an inner (circular) and an outer (longitudinal) fascial layer. Each corpus cavernosum is wrapped by its own circular layer, while a single longitudinal layer encloses them both. The circular layers form an incomplete fibrous septum between the adjoining sides of the corpora cavernosa. The ventral groove between the corpora cavernosa is occupied by the corpus spongiosum. The dorsal groove is traversed by the neurovascular bundle of penis which consists of the dorsal arteries of penis, dorsal veins of penis and the dorsal nerves of penis.
The corpora cavernosa contain a network of interconnected irregularly shaped sinusoid vascular spaces lined with endothelial cells. These sinusoid spaces are separated by the septae that pass from the tunica albuginea. The septae consist of the fibrous connective tissue rich with numerous smooth muscle cells .
Once filled with arterial blood from the helicine arteries, the cavernous sinuses compress the venous drainage from the penis, which manifests as the penile erection. The fibrous septum between the corpora cavernosa is incomplete proximally, allowing the blood exchange between the cavernous sinuses of the corpora.
The corpus spongiosum is a spongy mass of the erectile tissue found within the ventral compartment of the penis. It has a proximal dilation that projects into the root of penis, i.e. the bulb of penis. The corpus spongiosum features a distal bulbous expansion at the end of the penile shaft as well, which forms the glans penis . The glans shows a rounded base called the corona which demarcates it from the penile shaft. The glans is covered by the foreskin (prepuce), which is a double layer of loose retractable skin that attaches to the ventral surface of glans. The attaching site of the deep layer of the foreskin to the urethral surface lies under the corona and is called the frenulum .
The corpus spongiosum is enveloped by a thin layer of tunica albuginea and contains less erectile tissue than the corpora cavernosa. It is traversed by the penile urethra , which opens at the tip of the glans. The corona of glans contains many small preputial glands that secrete the sebaceous product called the smegma .
The penis is supplied by the internal pudendal artery , a branch of the internal iliac artery . This artery enters the penis via Alcock’s canal after which it divides into the perineal and common penile arteries. The former supplies the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles, while the common penile artery divides into three branches to supply the deep structures of the penis. These branches are the:
The venous drainage of the penis happens via one of the three systems;
The sensory innervation to the penis comes from a terminal branch of the pudendal nerve ; the dorsal nerve of penis . This nerve traverses the dorsal groove between the corpora cavernosa together with the same-named artery and vein. Along its course, it gives off many sensory branches that supply the skin of the penile shaft, as well as the prepuce of glans. The glans receives most of the sensory nerve endings, which is why it is the most sensitive area of the penis. The root of the penis receives the sensory innervation from the branches of the ilioinguinal nerve .
The autonomic innervation for the penis, both sympathetic and parasympathetic , comes from the pelvic plexus via the cavernous (deep/cavernosal) nerve .
Erection and ejaculaton are regulated by the autonomic innervation of the penis. The parasympathetic stimulation is excitatory for the penis, as it causes the erection . The parasympathetic stimuli relax the smooth musculature of the corpora cavernosa and produce vasodilation in the helicine arteries. The helicine arteries then fill the corpora cavernosa, compressing the venous outflow from the penis. This process is called the veno-occlusive mechanism and it results with penile erection.
On the other hand, the inhibitory sympathetic stimuli cause the ejaculation when the critical level of sexual excitement has been reached. The ejaculation process can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, the sympathetic stimuli cause the vasoconstriction of helicine arteries, contraction of the smooth muscle cells within the septa of corpus spongiosum and contraction seminal vesicles and prostate . This results in accumulation of seminal fluid into the proximal part of the urethra. During the second phase, the bulbospongiosus muscle contracts and expels the seminal fluid through the urethra ( ejaculation ). When the ejaculation is finished the penis returns into the flaccid state. An individual normally produces 3-5 ml of semen per one ejaculation which contains about 300 million sperm cells.
Learn more about the anatomy and function of the male reproductive system with our articles, video tutorials, quizzes and labeled diagrams.
Phimosis is a condition in which a person has difficulties to retract the prepuce (foreskin). It is recognized as a ring of foreskin around the tip of the glans. Phimosis is classified as physiological and pathological.
The treatment of pathological phimosis depends on its severity and conjoined complications. Usually there are three therapeutic approaches; smooth and gentle manual daily retraction, application of topical corticosteroids, or surgical circumcision.
Paraphimosis is a condition in which the retracted prepuce cannot be put back in its normal position. This often causes the swelling of the foreskin that can lead to the blockage of the blood flow in the glans. If not urgently treated this condition can lead to serious complications.Once surgically resolved, it does not require any further treatment.
Recurring paraphimosis is rare and it is an indication for circumcision.
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A copulatory organ of the external genitalia of males whose function is to enable the reproduction, sexual pleasure and micturition
Corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, urethra
Bulbourethral artery, dorsal artery of penis, cavernous (deep/cavernosal) artery of penis;
Superficial dorsal, deep dorsal, circumflex, crural, and cavernous (deep/cavernosal) veins of penis
Sensory: Pudendal nerve (via dorsal nerve of penis)
Autonomic: Cavernous (deep/cavernosal) nerve of penis
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Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases.
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The penis is a complex external organ used to urinate and for sex and reproduction in people who are born biologically male. It consists of several parts, including the shaft, head, and foreskin.
In this article, the terms "male" and "male anatomy" are used to describe the physical characteristics of both cisgender males (whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds to their birth sex) and people with penises whose sense of personal identity and gender may not correspond to their birth sex.
This article describes the anatomy and function of the penis, as well as conditions that can affect the function or appearance of the penis at birth or later in life.
The penis is one of the external organs of the male reproductive system (used for sex and to conceive babies) and the urinary system (used to "pee"). It is located at the front of the body at the base of the pelvis . The scrotum , containing the testes (a.k.a. testicles), is situated just beneath the penis.
The penis consists of several major structures: 1
The penis is well supplied by blood vessels. The shaft, which contains the urethra and three columns of erectile tissue, is wrapped in a band of connective tissue called the fascia and covered with skin. The base of the penis is supported by connective tissues, called suspensory ligaments, that hold the penis close to the pelvic bone. 1
There is a wide variation in penis size , and the average flaccid ("soft") length of a penis is 3.5 inches. The average length of an erect penis is 6 inches, with an average circumference of 5 inches. 2
The primary functions of the penis are urinary and sexual. The sexual function of the penis can be described as two stages: erection and ejaculation.
Urination is the release of urine (pee) from the body. This occurs when urine passes from the bladder through the urethra to the meatus. The urine is pushed out of the body by the contraction of the detrusor muscle in the wall of the bladder. 1
Between the penis and the bladder is the external sphincter muscle , which can be controlled to hold in or release urine. 1
An erection is the stiffening of the penis caused by sexual arousal and/or physical stimulation. It is also normal for erections to occur during sleep and upon waking. An erection occurs when there is an increased flow of blood into the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. 3
During an erection, arteries supplying the erectile tissues will dilate (widen), causing the penis to engorge (fill) with blood. The engorgement compresses the veins through which blood usually exits the penis. This "traps" the blood and helps sustain the erection. 3
Ejaculation is the discharge of semen from the penis. It is usually accompanied by a sexual response called an orgasm . 3
Ejaculation involves a series of simultaneous, involuntary muscle contractions: 3
There are several congenital conditions that can cause a penis to be abnormally formed. Congenital disorders are those that are present at birth and caused by something that interferes with the normal development of an unborn baby.
Congenital penis abnormalities are usually caused by an imbalance of male or female sex hormones that influence penis development.
Hypospadias is a condition in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. It is one of the most common congenital abnormalities in males. Epispadias is a similar condition in which the urethra opens on the top side of the penis. 4
Surgery is generally recommended to correct hypospadias either during infancy or early childhood. However, there are risks of long-term complications, including difficulty urinating and an increased risk of urinary tract infections . 4
Chordee is an abnormal curve of the penis at the time of birth. It is more common in males with hypospadias but can also occur on its own. In adolescent and adult males, chordee is most noticeable during an erection. 5
Chordee should not be confused with Peyronie's disease . Peyronie's is a condition that develops in adult males that causes an abnormal curve of the penis.
Micropenis is an abnormally small penis. It is defined as a stretched penis that is at least 2.5 times smaller than what would be expected at that stage of a male's development. In adults, this would be stretched penis of less than 2.75 inches. 6
Micropenis affects 1.5 out of 10,000 male children in the United States. It is thought to be caused by abnormally low production of male hormones, called androgens , during pregnancy. 6
The congenital absence of a penis, called aphalia, is an extremely rare condition, affecting one of every 30 million births. It usually occurs with other congenital abnormalities affecting the heart or digestive tract. The cause of aphalia is unknown. So far, fewer than 100 cases have been reported. 7
There are a number of medical conditions that can affect the function or appearance of the penis in later life. These may affect the glans, foreskin, urethra, or erectile tissues.
Erectile dysfunction occurs when a person with a penis cannot get or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by medical reasons, including medications or heart disease. It may also be the result of stress, anxiety, or relationship problems. 8
Peyronie's disease (PD) is an abnormal curve of the penis that occurs in later life. Studies suggest that around 0.5% to 13% of adult males will experience PD at some time in their lives. The risk increases as a person gets older. 9 1
Peyronie's disease is mainly the result of a prior injury to the penis during sex. With that said, PD is poorly understood and may occur for no known reason. If the symptoms of PD are severe, they can cause erectile dysfunction. 1
A penile fracture occurs when the thick membrane surrounding the corpus cavernosa, known as the tunica albuginea , ruptures during vigorous sex.
The tunica albuginea is supplied with a rich network of blood vessels that can cause bleeding and severe pain when ruptured. The scar tissue that results from a penile fracture may lead to Peyronie's disease. 10
Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis. Phimosis is normal in male babies and toddlers, but, in older children, it may be the result of a skin condition that causes scarring. It is not usually a problem unless it causes symptoms. 11
Paraphimosis occurs in an uncircumcised penis when the foreskin gets stuck in the retracted position. It is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue death if not treated immediately. 11
Priapism is an erection that lasts more than four hours. It is not always the result of sexual
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