For reproduction, nature has given humans not only the sperm and egg cells with the genetic information they contain. The male sexual organs, which include the penis, are a basic requirement for the consummation of the sexual act in order to produce healthy offspring.
What is the penis?
Originating from the Latin vocabulary, in the German language it is translated as male member. During coitus, the penis performs a central task. In addition, the penis is an extremely sensitive organ due to its complicated structure. The penis extends the vas deferens and represents an appendage organ of the male body. The penis is already created during prenatal development. In many cultural peoples, the penis or phallus represents a symbol of a man’s reproductive ability. In addition, the penis may be subjected to ritual circumcision.
Anatomy and structure
The penis is divided into three anatomical zones. These are called the base of the penis, the shaft of the penis, and the glans. The foreskin is drawn over the glans and provides a protective covering. The penis contains the so-called erectile tissue, which causes stiffening at the time of sexual arousal. The muscle cords embedded in the penis are also responsible for the hardening and stiffening of the member. Sperm cells are released during ejaculation via the vas deferens, which passes through the penis. The penis is also heavily infused with a network of blood vessels. This is an important anatomical condition that supports erection in the penis. In addition, the penis is innervated by numerous nerves.
Functions and tasks
The penis is an organ through which both the mating act and the excretion of urine are ensured. Due to its specific morphology, the penis is capable of hardening and stiffening. Under these conditions, the penis can slide into the female genital organs and realize the fertilization of the female ovum during the sexual act through ejaculation. Through a nervous control of the function of the penis, which is based on the sensory perceptions, hormonally controlled processes and increased blood accumulation in the corpora cavernosa, the reproductive capacity of the man is given. Only when erect is the penis able to perform this task. When a man is sexually aroused, more blood enters the corpora cavernosa through the connected penile artery. These increase in size and promote limb stiffening. At the same time, the penis straightens. During ejaculation, the muscles running in the penis become active. These contract at intervals, thereby guaranteeing the expulsion of the sperm or semen. In the physiology of the reproductive act, there is a connection between orgasm and ejaculation. However, the functioning of the penis can be achieved without orgasm.
Diseases
Among the most common diseases of the penis is erectile dysfunction or impotence. In this health condition, the penis is unable to stiffen due to lack of blood flow to the erectile tissue. Another condition of the penis that subjects those affected to a great deal of suffering is persistent stiffening or permanent erection. This abnormality of the penis is also known as priapism. Behind the penis deviation is again an excessive degree of curvature. In the context with a so-called hypogenitalism, a penis can be massively reduced in size. This disease of the penis is micropenis. If inflammatory processes occur on the glans of the penis, it is called balanitis. A congenital or acquired defect of the penis is phimosis, in which the foreskin contracts so much that there is strangulation of the penis. Accumulations of tissue water can also form in the penis, causing penile edema. Massive diseases of the penis include penile carcinoma, which is classified as a cancer. This disease of the penis is not too common and occurs mainly in patients of advanced age. Due to external effects of a mechanical nature or chemicals such as kerosene, paraffinoma can manifest itself on the penis. These mainly enter the penis through cosmetic medical procedures to give it more size.
Typical and common conditions
- Erectile dysfunction (Erectile impotence).
- Potency problems
- Premature ejaculation
- Congenital curvature of the penis
