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    Related Topics

    From Reproductive System

    Male - Vas Deferens
    Transports sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct.
    Male - Prostate Gland
    Secretes fluid that enhances sperm motility.
    Male - Spermatic Cord
    Contains vas deferens, blood vessels, and nerves.
    Female - Mons Pubis
    Fat pad over the pubic symphysis.
    Female - Uterus
    Houses and nourishes the developing fetus.
    Male - Scrotum
    External sac that holds and protects the testes.
    Female - Ovaries
    Primary female reproductive organs that produce oocytes and hormones.
    Female - Glans Clitoris
    Exposed portion of clitoris.
    Female - Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
    Transport ova from ovaries to uterus.
    Male - Prepuce (Foreskin)
    Covers and protects the glans penis.
    Female - Round Ligament of Uterus
    Maintains anteversion of uterus.
    Female - Labia Majora
    Outer folds of skin surrounding vaginal opening.
    Female - Ovarian Follicles
    Contain developing oocytes.
    Female - Prepuce of Clitoris
    Skin fold covering clitoris.
    Male - Seminal Vesicles
    Produce seminal fluid that nourishes sperm.
    Male - Ejaculatory Duct
    Passage for semen into the urethra.
    Female - Ovarian Ligament
    Connects ovary to uterus.
    Female - Hymen
    Membranous tissue partially covering vaginal opening.
    Female - Fimbriae
    Finger-like projections that guide egg into uterine tube.
    Female - Fundus of Uterus
    Top portion of uterus above uterine tubes.
    Male - Bulbourethral Glands
    Secrete mucus for lubrication.
    Female - Labia Minora
    Inner folds of skin surrounding vestibule.
    Male - Testes
    Primary male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.
    Female - Ampulla of Uterine Tube
    Site of fertilization.
    Female - Perimetrium
    Outer serous covering of the uterus.

    Male - Penis

    Reviewed by our medical team

    External organ for urination and copulation.

    1. Overview

    The penis is the male external genital organ responsible for the excretion of urine and the delivery of semen during sexual intercourse. It is composed of three main erectile tissues that play a role in sexual function and reproduction. The penis is vital in the reproductive system as it facilitates the deposition of sperm into the female reproductive tract during ejaculation. It is also involved in urination and serves as an erogenous zone for sexual pleasure.

    2. Location

    The penis is located externally at the anterior portion of the male body, just above the scrotum. It extends outward from the body and is attached to the pelvic region by the pubic bone. The penis is typically covered by skin, and its most prominent parts include the glans (head), shaft, and root. The urethra runs through the penis, transporting urine and semen, and opens at the tip of the glans.

    3. Structure

    The penis consists of the following anatomical structures:

    • Shaft: The cylindrical body of the penis, extending from the root to the glans. It contains three columns of erectile tissue.

    • Glans penis: The conical, bulbous tip of the penis, which is highly sensitive and contains the urethral meatus (opening). The glans is also the area where semen is ejaculated during orgasm.

    • Urethra: The tube running through the penis that allows the passage of urine and semen. It opens at the tip of the glans, also called the external urethral orifice.

    • Erectile tissues: Three columns of erectile tissue include:

      • Two corpora cavernosa: Paired cylindrical structures located dorsally (on the top side) of the penis. They fill with blood during sexual arousal to create rigidity.

      • Corpus spongiosum: A single column of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra. It remains more flexible to prevent the urethra from being compressed during erection, ensuring the passage of semen and urine.

    • Tunica albuginea: A tough fibrous membrane that surrounds the erectile tissues, particularly the corpora cavernosa, and helps maintain the rigidity of the erect penis.

    • Prepuce (foreskin): The fold of skin covering the glans in uncircumcised males. It protects the glans and provides sensory stimulation. In circumcised males, the foreskin is removed, exposing the glans permanently.

    4. Function

    The penis performs several key functions in the male reproductive and urinary systems:

    • Urinary function: The penis serves as the conduit for urine excretion from the bladder. Urine flows through the urethra and out through the external urethral orifice.

    • Sexual function: During sexual arousal, the erectile tissues of the penis fill with blood, causing it to become rigid and elongated. This rigidity is essential for vaginal penetration during intercourse.

    • Reproductive function: The penis delivers semen into the female reproductive tract during ejaculation, facilitating fertilization of an egg. The semen contains sperm, which travel through the female reproductive system to fertilize an ovum.

    5. Physiological Role(s)

    The penis plays an important physiological role in both reproduction and sexual pleasure:

    • Erection: Sexual arousal triggers the relaxation of smooth muscles in the erectile tissues, allowing blood to flow into the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. This blood flow causes the penis to become erect and firm, enabling sexual intercourse.

    • Ejaculation: During orgasm, rhythmic contractions of the pelvic muscles force semen from the prostate and seminal vesicles through the urethra and out of the penis. The sperm is released into the female reproductive system, where fertilization may occur.

    • Urinary function: The penis serves as the passage for urine, which is expelled from the bladder through the urethra during urination.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The penis is involved in several clinical conditions that can affect sexual health and urinary function:

    • Erectile dysfunction (ED): A condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. ED can be caused by physical factors (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes) or psychological factors (e.g., stress, anxiety).

    • Peyronie’s disease: A condition in which fibrous plaques form in the tunica albuginea, causing curvature of the penis and sometimes pain during erection. It may result from trauma or genetic predisposition.

    • Priapism: A prolonged, painful erection not related to sexual arousal. It can be caused by medical conditions like sickle cell disease or as a side effect of medications.

    • Penile cancer: A rare form of cancer, typically caused by HPV infection, that affects the glans or shaft of the penis. It may present as a growth or ulceration on the skin of the penis.

    • Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted over the glans, often leading to hygiene issues, discomfort, and potential infections in uncircumcised males.

    • Penile fractures: A traumatic injury involving rupture of the tunica albuginea, often caused by sudden force during intercourse. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

    • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): The penis can be affected by a range of STIs, including gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, which can cause ulcers, pain, and discharge.

    • Congenital abnormalities: Conditions such as hypospadias (where the urethral opening is located abnormally) or epispadias can affect the penis' structure and function.

    Regular medical check-ups, including testing for STIs and early detection of abnormalities, are important for maintaining penile health. Surgical interventions, medications, and lifestyle changes can address many conditions that affect the penis.

    Did you know? The human reproductive system consists of different organs in males and females that produce offspring.