What is the penis?
The penis and scrotum together form the male external genitalia. The penis structure includes three sections: penis root, penis shaft and glans.
Penis root
Via the penile root (radix), the member is attached to the pelvic floor and the lower pubic branches. It consists of three parts in the area of the pelvic floor and is embraced by a muscle (Musculus ischiocavernosus).
Penile shaft (penile body)
The penile body (corpus) or shaft is surrounded by a muscle at its base (bulbus penis). Within it lie three erectile tissues:
The paired penile erectile tissue “corpus cavernosum penis” is important for erection. It is located laterally on the upper side of the member. In the area of the penis root, it splits into two legs (crura penis), which are connected to the abdominal wall and the symphysis (pubic symphysis) by muscles and ligaments.
On the underside of the member runs the raphe (raphe penis) – a “seam” that is more pigmented than the surrounding tissue. This raphe, which continues onto the scrotum, is an adhesion line of symmetrical body parts that dates back to the embryonic period.
Glans
The glans penis(glans penis) is formed by the anterior end of the paired penile corpus cavernosum. This allows the glans to remain soft and compressible even during a strong erection. This corpus cavernosum is framed by a muscle (musculus bulbospongiosus) whose contraction conveys the sperm ejected during ejaculation.
The thin, shifting skin that covers the member forms the so-called foreskin (praeputium) at the glans. During erection, the foreskin retracts, allowing the glans to emerge. A small frenulum (foreskin frenulum) on the underside of the glans prevents the foreskin from being pushed back too far.
What is the function of the penis?
During sexual intercourse, the member brings the sperm cells as close as possible to the woman’s cervix. In order to penetrate the vagina, it must swell. Important for this erection is the paired penile corpus cavernosum. It fills with blood during sexual arousal, making the member stiff.
In addition, urine is excreted through the urethra that runs inside the penis.
Where is the penis located?
The penis is located between the man’s legs and hangs freely above the scrotum.
What problems can the penis cause?
Balanitis is an inflammation of the penile glans. Usually the foreskin is also inflamed at the same time, which doctors then call balanoposthitis. Typical symptoms are a painful redness of the glans, often associated with itching.
A congenital or acquired curvature of the member is called penile deviation.
Phimosis is the congenital or acquired narrowing of the foreskin. Due to this narrowing, the praeputium cannot be retracted over the glans or can only be retracted with pain.
Penile carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the member that occurs rather rarely. It usually affects older men.
Various venereal diseases (such as syphilis, gonorrhea) as well as fungal infections can lead to unpleasant symptoms on the penis.