The glans penis is the sensitive tip of the penis. It is wholly or partially covered by the foreskin, except when the foreskin is retracted, such as during sexual intercourse while the penis is erect. In males who have been circumcised, but have not undergone restoration, the glans is permanently exposed.

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, behind which is the neck of the penis.

Yang (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9698671) in a 1998 study established that "The distinct pattern of innervation of the glans emphasizes the role of the glans as a sensory structure".

External links

Yang CC, Bradley WE Neuroanatomy of the penile portion of the human dorsal nerve of the penis (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9698671) Br J Urol. 1998 Jul;82(1):109-13

de:Glans penis nl:Eikel (anatomie) ja:陰茎亀頭