Corpus spongiosum (penis): Difference between revisions
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Many males find it pleasureable when it is touched. |
Many males find it pleasureable when it is touched. |
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The function of the corpus spongiosum in erection is to prevent the urethra from pinching closed, thereby maintaining the urethra as a viable channel for ejaculate. To do this, the corpus spongiosum remains pliable during erection while the |
The function of the corpus spongiosum in erection is to prevent the urethra from pinching closed, thereby maintaining the urethra as a viable channel for ejaculate. To do this, the corpus spongiosum remains pliable during erection while the corpora cavernosum penis becomes engorged with blood. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 01:38, 22 January 2007
| Corpus spongiosum (penis) | |
|---|---|
 Transverse section of the penis. | |
 The constituent cavernous cylinders of the penis. | |
| Identifiers | |
| TA98 | A09.4.01.015 |
| TA2 | 3681 |
| FMA | 19617 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Corpus spongiosum (Plural: Corpora Spongiosa) (also known as corpus cavernosum urethrae in older texts) is the mass of spongy tissue surrounding the male urethra within the penis.
Anatomy
Behind, it is expanded to form the urethral bulb, and lies in apposition with the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm, from which it receives a fibrous investment.
The urethra enters the bulb nearer to the upper than to the lower surface. On the latter there is a median sulcus, from which a thin fibrous septum projects into the substance of the bulb and divides it imperfectly into two lateral lobes or hemispheres.
The portion of the corpus spongiosum in front of the bulb lies in a groove on the under surface of the conjoined corpora cavernosa penis. It is cylindrical in form and tapers slightly from behind forward. Its anterior end is expanded in the form of an obtuse cone, flattened from above downward. This expansion, termed the glans penis, 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.
Function
Many males find it pleasureable when it is touched.
The function of the corpus spongiosum in erection is to prevent the urethra from pinching closed, thereby maintaining the urethra as a viable channel for ejaculate. To do this, the corpus spongiosum remains pliable during erection while the corpora cavernosum penis becomes engorged with blood.
See also
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1248 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
Additional images
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Structure of the penis -
The penis in transverse section, showing the bloodvessels. -
Diagram of the arteries of the penis. -
Vertical section of bladder, penis, and urethra.
External links
- Anatomy photo:44:06-0204 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The Male Pelvis: The Urethra"
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
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