Glans penis
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| male sexual organs | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1. Testicles 2. Epididymis 3. Corpus cavernosa 4. Foreskin 5. Frenulum 6. Urethral opening 7. 8. Corpus spongiosum 9. Penis 10. Scrotum | |
| Latin | GraySubject = 262 |
| Artery | Urethral artery |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | g_06/12392909 |
The glans penis (or simply glans) is the sensitive tip of the penis. It is also commonly referred to as the "head" of the penis. Slang terms include "helmet" and "bell end". When the penis is flaccid it is wholly or partially covered by the foreskin, except in men who have been circumcised.
Medical considerations
The meatus (opening) of the urethra is at the tip of the glans penis. In circumcised infants who wear diapers, the meatal area of the glans penis is without the protection of the foreskin and at slight risk of meatitis, meatal ulceration, and meatal stenosis.[1]
The epithelium of the glans penis is mucocutaneous tissue.[1] Birley et al. report that excessive washing with soap may dry the mucous membrane that covers the glans penis and cause non-specific dermatitis.[1]
Inflammation of the glans penis is known as balanitis. It occurs in 3–11% of males, and up to 35% of diabetic males. It has many causes, including irritation, or infection with a wide variety of pathogens. Careful identification of the cause with the aid of patient history, physical examination, swabs and cultures, and biopsy are essential in order to determine the proper treatment.[1]
Anatomical details
The glans penis is the expanded cap of the corpus spongiosum. It is moulded on the rounded ends of the Corpora cavernosa penis, extending farther on their upper than on their lower surfaces. At the summit of the glans is the slit-like vertical external urethral orifice. The circumference of the base of the glans forms a rounded projecting border, the corona glandis, overhanging a deep retroglandular sulcus (the coronal sulcus), behind which is the neck of the penis. The proportional size of the glans penis can vary greatly.
The foreskin maintains the mucosa in a moist environment.[1] In males who have been circumcised, but have not undergone restoration, the glans is permanently exposed and dry. Szabo and Short found that the glans of the circumcised penis does not develop a thicker keratinization layer.[1] Studies have suggested that the glans is equally sensitive in circumcised and uncircumcised males.[1] [1]
Halata & Munger (1986) report that the density of genital corpuscles is greatest in the corona glandis,[1] while Yang & Bradley (1998) report that their study "showed no areas in the glans to be more densely innervated than others."[1]
Halata & Spathe (1997) reported that "the glans penis contains a predominance of free nerve endings, numerous genital end bulbs and rarely Pacinian and Ruffinian corpuscles. Merkel nerve endings and Meissner corpuscles are not present."[1]
Yang & Bradley argue that "The distinct pattern of innervation of the glans emphasizes the role of the glans as a sensory structure".[1]
An anatomycal variant of glans is showed: Hirsuties papillaris genitalis
Additional images
 Diagram of the arteries of the penis. |
 Penis |
 An uncircumcised glans penis |
 Side view circumcised glans penis |
 An anterior view of a flaccid uncircumcised glans penis |
See also
References
External links
- SUNY Labs 42:07-0102 - "The Male Perineum and the Penis: The Corpus Spongiosum and Corpora Cavernosa"
- SUNY Labs 44:06-0101 - "The Male Pelvis: The Urethra"
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Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
