Body of penis
Anatomical part of the human penis
The body of the penis (also known as the shaft) is a major component of the male external genitalia. It is the elongated, cylindrical part of the penis that extends from the root to the glans. The body of the penis is composed of three columns of erectile tissue and is covered by skin.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The body of the penis is primarily made up of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue:
- The two corpora cavernosa
- The corpus spongiosum
The corpora cavernosa are two side-by-side columns of erectile tissue that run along the length of the penis. They are responsible for the rigidity of the penis during an erection. The corpus spongiosum is a single column of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra and extends to form the glans penis.
Erectile Tissue[edit | edit source]
The erectile tissue in the body of the penis is composed of a network of blood vessels and smooth muscle. During sexual arousal, the blood vessels dilate, allowing blood to fill the spaces within the erectile tissue, leading to an erection.
Skin and Fascia[edit | edit source]
The skin covering the body of the penis is thin and elastic, allowing for expansion during an erection. Beneath the skin is a layer of connective tissue known as the Buck's fascia, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the penis.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the body of the penis is to facilitate sexual reproduction. During sexual arousal, the erectile tissue becomes engorged with blood, resulting in an erection. This allows for penetration during sexual intercourse. The body of the penis also plays a role in the expulsion of urine from the body.
Development[edit | edit source]
The development of the penis begins in the embryonic stage and continues through puberty. The penis develops from the genital tubercle, which differentiates into the male external genitalia under the influence of androgens.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Conditions affecting the body of the penis include Peyronie's disease, which is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue, leading to curvature of the penis. Other conditions include erectile dysfunction and priapism.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
