Bulb of the penis

Bulb of the penis is a part of the human male anatomy located in the pelvis. It is a part of the penis, which is the male sexual organ. The bulb of the penis is the most proximal part of the penis and is located in the superficial perineal pouch of the pelvis. It is a component of the corpus spongiosum of the penis.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The bulb of the penis is an expanded posterior continuation of the corpus spongiosum. It is located in the midline of the body, behind the perineum, and is enclosed by the bulbospongiosus muscle. The bulb is attached to the inferior part of the symphysis pubis, which is a cartilaginous joint that sits between the left and right pubic bones.

The bulb of the penis is traversed by the urethra, which is the duct through which urine is discharged from the body and which in males also serves as the conduit for the ejaculation of semen.

Function[edit | edit source]

The bulb of the penis plays a crucial role in sexual function. During sexual arousal, the bulb becomes engorged with blood, contributing to the process of erection. The bulbospongiosus muscle that surrounds the bulb contracts rhythmically during ejaculation, propelling semen through the urethra and out of the body.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Injury to the bulb of the penis can result in erectile dysfunction or other sexual health problems. Surgical procedures involving the bulb of the penis may be performed in the treatment of certain conditions, such as penile cancer or Peyronie's disease, a condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis that causes curved, painful erections.