Dorsal veins of the penis

Dorsal veins of the penis

The dorsal veins of the penis, as illustrated in Gray's Anatomy.

The dorsal veins of the penis are a pair of blood vessels found in the human penis. They are part of the penile vascular system, which is responsible for the blood supply to the penis.

Anatomy

The dorsal veins of the penis are located on the dorsum, or top surface, of the penis. They are situated in the deep fascia of the penis, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the penile structures. The veins run parallel to the dorsal arteries of the penis and the dorsal nerve of the penis.

The dorsal veins of the penis are divided into two types: the deep dorsal vein and the superficial dorsal veins. The deep dorsal vein drains blood from the corpora cavernosa penis, while the superficial dorsal veins drain the skin and fascia of the penis.

Function

The primary function of the dorsal veins of the penis is to drain deoxygenated blood from the penis back to the body's circulatory system. This is a crucial part of the erectile process, as it helps to maintain the balance of blood flow in and out of the penis.

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the anatomy of the dorsal veins of the penis is important in several medical procedures, including penile implant surgery and circumcision. Damage to these veins during surgery can lead to complications such as erectile dysfunction and penile curvature.

See also

• Penis
• Human penis size
• Erection
• Erectile dysfunction

External links

• Anatomy Atlases - Anatomic Variants in the Human Body