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{{Infobox Anatomy |
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The '''glans''' ([[Latin]] for "[[acorn]]", because the glans of an uncircumcised [[penis]] often looks like an acorn popping out of its cap) is a structure internally composed of [[corpus spongiosum]] in males or of [[corpus cavernosa]] and vestibular tissue in females that is located at the tip of [[homology (biology)|homologous]] genital structures involved in [[sexual arousal]].
  
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Name = male sexual organs |
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Latin =
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GraySubject = 262 |
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GrayPage = 1248 |
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Image = Male_anatomy.png |
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Caption = 1. [[Testicle]]s<BR>2. [[Epididymis]]<BR>3. [[Corpus cavernosum penis|Corpus cavernosa]]<BR>4. [[Foreskin]]<BR>5. [[Frenulum of prepuce of penis|Frenulum]]<BR>6. [[External urethral orifice (male)|Urethral opening]]<BR>7. 8. [[Corpus spongiosum penis|Corpus spongiosum]]<BR>9. [[Penis]]<BR>10. [[Scrotum]] |
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System = |
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Artery = [[Urethral artery]] |
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Vein = |
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Dorlands = nine/000953185 |
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DorlandsID = Glans penis
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The '''glans penis''' (or simply '''glans''') is the sensitive bulbous structure at the [[distal]] end of the [[penis]]. It is also commonly referred to as the ''''head of the penis.'''' Slang terms include "helmet," "nob" (or "knob"), and "bell end," and all refer to its distinctive shape. The glans penis is anatomically [[homologous]] to the [[clitoral glans]] of the female. When the penis is flaccid it is sometimes wholly or partially covered by the [[foreskin]], except in men who have been fully [[circumcision|circumcised]]. The foreskin serves to protect this delicate [[mucous membrane]] covered structure.
   
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==Structure==
  
   
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==Anatomical details==
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The exterior structure of the glans consists of [[mucous membrane]], which is usually covered by [[foreskin]] or [[clitoral hood]] in naturally developed [[genitalia]]. This covering, called the prepuce, is normally retractable in adulthood.
 
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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 (anatomy)|sulcus]] (the ''coronal sulcus''), behind which is the neck of the penis. The proportional size of the glans penis can vary greatly. On some penises it is much wider in circumference than the [[shaft]], giving the penis a [[mushroom]]-like appearance, and on others it is narrower and more akin to a probe in shape. It has been suggested that the unique and unusual shape of the glans in humans has evolved to serve the function of "scooping" any remnant [[semen]] deposited by other rival males out of the deeper part of the [[vagina]] of a female who may have recently copulated, and thereby decreasing the chance of the rival male from impregnating the female.<ref name="gallup">{{cite journal | last = Gallup | first = Gordon | coauthors = Rebecca L. Burch, Mary L. Zappieri, Rizwan A. Parvez, Malinda L. Stockwell, Jennifer A. Davis | year = 2003 | month = July | title = The human penis as a semen displacement device | journal = Evolution and Human Behavior | volume = 24 | issue = 4 | pages = 277–289 | url =http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ens/article/PIIS1090513803000163/abstract | doi = 10.1016/S1090-5138(03)00016-3}}</ref> Other theorists{{Who|date=April 2009}} suggest that its distinctive shape evolved to heighten the sexual pleasure experienced by the female during vaginal intercourse. In this theory, the glans increases friction and tension at the mouth of the [[vagina]] by its additional girth and the dilating properties of its probe-like shape. This maximises indirect stimulation of the [[clitoris]] by the repetitive thrusting movements of the penis inside the vagina during intercourse.
   
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The foreskin maintains the mucosa in a moist environment.<ref name="prakash">{{cite journal | last = Prakash | first = Satya | coauthors = Raghuram Rao, K. Venkatesan & S. Ramakrishnan | year = 1982 | month = July | title = Sub-Preputial Wetness--Its Nature | journal = Annals of National Medical Science (India) | volume = 18 | issue = 3 | pages = 109–112 | url =http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/prakash/}}</ref> In males who have been [[circumcision|circumcised]], but have not undergone [[foreskin restoration|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.<ref name="szabo">{{cite journal | last = Szabo | first = Robert | coauthors = Roger V. Short | year = 2000 | month = June | title = How does male circumcision protect against HIV infection? | journal = British Medical Journal | volume = 320 | issue = 7249 | pages = 1592–4 | pmid = 10845974 | url =http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/320/7249/1592 | accessdate = 2006-07-07 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.320.7249.1592 | pmc = 1127372 }}</ref> Studies have suggested that the glans is equally sensitive in circumcised and uncircumcised males.<ref name="masters">{{cite book | last = Masters | first = William H. | coauthors = Virginia E. Johnson | title = Human Sexual Response | year = 1966 | publisher = Little, Brown & Co | location = Boston | isbn = 0-316-54987-8 | pages = 189–91}} (excerpt accessible [http://www.circs.org/library/masters/ here])</ref> <ref name="bleustein">{{cite journal | last = Bleustein | first = Clifford B. | coauthors = James D. Fogarty, Haftan Eckholdt, Joseph C. Arezzo and Arnold Melman | year = 2005 | month = April | title = Effect of neonatal circumcision on penile neurologic sensation | journal = Urology | volume = 65 | issue = 4 | pages = 773–7 | doi = 10.1016/j.urology.2004.11.007 | pmid = 15833526 }}</ref>
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The glans naturally joins with the inner [[labia]], and the [[frenulum]] of the [[penis]] or [[clitoris]]. In non-technical or sexual discussions, often the word "clitoris" refers to the external glans alone, excluding the [[clitoral hood]], [[frenulum]], and internal body of the clitoris.
  
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Halata & Munger (1986) report that the density of [[genital corpuscles]] is greatest in the corona glandis,<ref name="halata1">{{cite journal | last = Halata | first = Zdenek | coauthors = Bryce L. Munger | year = 1986 | month = April | title = The neuroanatomical basis for the protopathic sensibility of the human glans penis | journal = Brain Research | volume = 371 | issue = 2 | pages = 205–30 | doi =10.1016/0006-8993(86)90357-4 | pmid = 3697758 }}</ref> while Yang & Bradley (1998) report that their study "showed no areas in the glans to be more densely innervated than others."<ref name="yang">{{cite journal | last = Yang | first = C. C. | coauthors = W.E. Bradley | year = 1998 | month = July | title = Neuroanatomy of the penile portion of the human dorsal nerve of the penis | journal = British Journal of Urology | volume = 82 | issue = 1 | pages = 109–13 | doi =10.1046/j.1464-410x.1998.00669.x | pmid = 9698671 }}</ref>
   
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Halata & Spathe (1997) reported that "the glans penis contains a predominance of free nerve endings, numerous genital [[Bulboid corpuscles|end bulbs]] and rarely [[Pacinian corpuscle|Pacinian]] and [[Ruffini ending|Ruffinian]] corpuscles. [[Merkel nerve ending]]s and [[Meissner's corpuscle]]s are not present."<ref name="halata2"/>
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==Gender differences==
  
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In males the glans is known as the [[glans penis]], while in females the glans is known as the [[glans clitoris]].
  
   
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Yang & Bradley argue that "The distinct pattern of innervation of the glans emphasizes the role of the glans as a sensory structure".<ref name="yang"/>
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In females, the clitoris is above the urethra. This organ was once thought to serve no function other than sexual arousal, but research is beginning to prove otherwise. The glans of the clitoris is the most highly innervated part.
 
   
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==Additional images==
   
   
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<gallery>
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Image:Anteriorglanspenis.jpg|An [[anterior]] view of a male's flaccid penis with the covering foreskin fully pulled back and the underneath glans head fully exposed.
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</gallery>
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==See also==
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*[[Clitoris]]
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*[[Corpus cavernosum penis]]
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*[[Foreskin]]
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*[[Frenulum of prepuce of penis]]
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*[[Hirsuties papillaris genitalis]]
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==References==
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<!--Note about external links: DOIs link to full versions of articles in electronic form by original publishers-->
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{{reflist}}
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==External links==
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* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|42|07|01|02}} - "The Male Perineum and the Penis: The Corpus Spongiosum and Corpora Cavernosa"
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* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|44|06|01|01}} - "The Male Pelvis: The Urethra"
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{{Male reproductive system}}
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[[Category:Male reproductive system]]
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[[Category:Penis]]
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Latest revision as of 07:23, 15 March 2010

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male sexual organs
Male anatomy
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
[[List of subjects in Gray's Anatomy:{{{GraySubject}}}#Gray.27s_page_.231248|Gray's]] subject #{{{GraySubject}}} 1248
System
MeSH [1]
[[Image:|190px|center|]]

The glans penis (or simply glans) is the sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the penis. It is also commonly referred to as the 'head of the penis.' Slang terms include "helmet," "nob" (or "knob"), and "bell end," and all refer to its distinctive shape. The glans penis is anatomically homologous to the clitoral glans of the female. When the penis is flaccid it is sometimes wholly or partially covered by the foreskin, except in men who have been fully circumcised. The foreskin serves to protect this delicate mucous membrane covered structure.


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. On some penises it is much wider in circumference than the shaft, giving the penis a mushroom-like appearance, and on others it is narrower and more akin to a probe in shape. It has been suggested that the unique and unusual shape of the glans in humans has evolved to serve the function of "scooping" any remnant semen deposited by other rival males out of the deeper part of the vagina of a female who may have recently copulated, and thereby decreasing the chance of the rival male from impregnating the female.[1] Other theorists[attribution needed] suggest that its distinctive shape evolved to heighten the sexual pleasure experienced by the female during vaginal intercourse. In this theory, the glans increases friction and tension at the mouth of the vagina by its additional girth and the dilating properties of its probe-like shape. This maximises indirect stimulation of the clitoris by the repetitive thrusting movements of the penis inside the vagina during intercourse.

The foreskin maintains the mucosa in a moist environment.[2] 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.[3] Studies have suggested that the glans is equally sensitive in circumcised and uncircumcised males.[4] [5]

Halata & Munger (1986) report that the density of genital corpuscles is greatest in the corona glandis,[6] while Yang & Bradley (1998) report that their study "showed no areas in the glans to be more densely innervated than others."[7]

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's corpuscles are not present."[8]

Yang & Bradley argue that "The distinct pattern of innervation of the glans emphasizes the role of the glans as a sensory structure".[7]

Additional images

See also

References

  1. ↑ Gallup, Gordon, Rebecca L. Burch, Mary L. Zappieri, Rizwan A. Parvez, Malinda L. Stockwell, Jennifer A. Davis (July 2003). The human penis as a semen displacement device. Evolution and Human Behavior 24 (4): 277–289.
  2. ↑ Prakash, Satya, Raghuram Rao, K. Venkatesan & S. Ramakrishnan (July 1982). Sub-Preputial Wetness--Its Nature. Annals of National Medical Science (India) 18 (3): 109–112.
  3. ↑ Szabo, Robert, Roger V. Short (June 2000). How does male circumcision protect against HIV infection?. British Medical Journal 320 (7249): 1592–4.
  4. ↑ Masters, William H.; Virginia E. Johnson (1966). Human Sexual Response, 189–91, Boston: Little, Brown & Co. (excerpt accessible here)
  5. ↑ Bleustein, Clifford B., James D. Fogarty, Haftan Eckholdt, Joseph C. Arezzo and Arnold Melman (April 2005). Effect of neonatal circumcision on penile neurologic sensation. Urology 65 (4): 773–7.
  6. ↑ Halata, Zdenek, Bryce L. Munger (April 1986). The neuroanatomical basis for the protopathic sensibility of the human glans penis. Brain Research 371 (2): 205–30.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Yang, C. C., W.E. Bradley (July 1998). Neuroanatomy of the penile portion of the human dorsal nerve of the penis. British Journal of Urology 82 (1): 109–13.
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named halata2

External links


Male reproductive system
Scrotum layers (skin, Dartos, External spermatic fascia, Cremaster, Internal spermatic fascia) • Perineal raphe • Spermatic cord
Testes layers (Tunica vaginalis, Tunica albuginea) • Appendix • Mediastinum • Lobules • Septa • Leydig cell • Sertoli cell • Blood-testis barrier
Spermatogenesis Spermatogonium • Spermatocytogenesis • Spermatocyte • Spermatidogenesis • Spermatid • Spermiogenesis • Spermatozoon
seminal tract Seminiferous tubules (Tubuli seminiferi recti, Rete testis, Efferent ducts) • Epididymis  (Appendix) • Vas deferens • Ejaculatory duct  Seminal colliculus
urinary tract Internal urethral orifice • Urethra (Prostatic, Intermediate, Spongy) • Urethral crest • Urethral gland • External urethral orifice
Penis Corpus cavernosum • Corpus spongiosum • Navicular fossa of male urethra • Glans penis • Fundiform ligament • Suspensory ligament • Foreskin • Frenulum
accessory glands Seminal vesicles  (Excretory duct of seminal gland) • Prostate  (Prostatic utricle, Prostatic sinus) • Bulbourethral glands
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