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The '''penis''' is the external male organ of urination and copulation.<ref name="farlex2003">{{REFweb
The '''penis''' is the external male organ of [[urination]] and copulation.<ref name="farlex2003">{{REFweb
  |url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/penis
  |url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/penis
  |archived=
  |archived=
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  |quote=
  |quote=
}}</ref> The penis is also known as the '''phallus'''.
}}</ref> The penis is also known as the '''phallus'''.
==Description==
The body of the penis consists of three cylindrical-shaped masses of erectile tissue which run the length of the penis. Two of the masses lie alongside each other and end behind the head of the penis. The third mass lies underneath them. This latter mass contains the [[urethra]]. The penis terminates in an oval or cone-shaped body, the [[glans penis]], which contains the exterior opening of the [[urethra]], or [[meatus]].<ref name="farlex2003"/> The final part of the penis is the [[foreskin]], also called the prepuce.
==The four functions of the penis==
The four functions of the penis are:
# to be a handy tool for [[urination]] without disrobing.
# to be a a vehicle for reproduction.
# to provide [[Erogenous sensation of the foreskin| sexual pleasure and sensory function]].
# to provide partner satisfaction and friction reduction.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://intactamerica.org/key-functions-of-the-penis/
|title=Understanding the Key Functions of the Penis
|last=Cartwright-Smith
|first=Jeffrey
|init=
|author-link=
|publisher=Intact America
|date=2025-09-18
|accessdate=2025-10-02
}}</ref>


The body of the penis consists of three cylindrical-shaped masses of erectile tissue which run the length of the penis. Two of the masses lie alongside each other and end behind the head of the penis. The third mass lies underneath them. This latter mass contains the [[urethra]]. The penis terminates in an oval or cone-shaped body, the [[glans penis]], which contains the exterior opening of the [[urethra]].<ref name="farlex2003" />
==Foreskin==


The normal [[intact]], [[foreskinned]] penis is enveloped in a tube of loose, highly innervated, movable, erogenous skin, the [[foreskin]] or prepuce, which enables it to expand freely during [[erection]]. The skin ends just behind the [[glans penis]] but folds forward to cover it, this forming the [[preputial sac]] and, if long enough, the [[acroposthion]]. The preputial sac may harmlessly collect oil-bearing [[smegma]], which is helpful in preventing dermatitis.<ref name="birley1993">{{REFjournal
The normal [[intact]], [[foreskinned]] penis is enveloped in its tube of folded loose, highly innervated, movable, protective, erogenous skin,<ref name="winklemann1959">{{WinkelmannRK 1959}}</ref> the [[foreskin]] or prepuce, which unfolds to enable the penis to fully expand during [[erection]].<ref name="earp2018">{{REFjournal
|last=Earp
|first=
|init=BD
|author-link=Brian D. Earp
|last2=Steinfeld
|first2=
|init2=R
|author2-link=
|etal=no
|title=Genital autonomy and sexual well-being
|trans-title=
|language=
|journal=Current Sexual Health Reports
|location=
|date=2018
|volume=10
|issue=1
|article=
|pages=7-17
|url=https://www.academia.edu/35660699/Genital_autonomy_and_sexual_well_being?email_work_card=view-paper
|archived=
|quote=
|pubmedID=
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=10.1007/s11930-018-0141-x
|accessdate=2024-01-02
}}</ref> The two layers of the foreskin contain [[lymph]] between them to allow lubricated, frictionless [[gliding action]] of the outer skin over the inner skin. The skin ends just behind the [[glans penis]] but folds forward to cover it, this forming the [[preputial sac]] and, if long enough, the [[acroposthion]]. The moist [[preputial sac]] may harmlessly collect oil-bearing [[smegma]], which is helpful in preventing dermatitis.<ref name="birley1993">{{REFjournal
  |last=Birley
  |last=Birley
  |init=HDL
  |init=HDL
Line 48: Line 93:
  |DOI=10.1136/sti.69.5.400
  |DOI=10.1136/sti.69.5.400
  |accessdate=2023-11-29
  |accessdate=2023-11-29
}}</ref>
}}</ref>  
 
The skin of the adult penis normally is somewhat darker than the rest of the body. This condition is called ''hyperpigmentation''<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/hyperpigmentation
|title=hyperpigmentation
|last=
|first=
|init=
|author-link=
|publisher=Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions
|date=2012
|accessdate=2024-09-25
}}</ref> and occurs after [[puberty]].
 
== Innervation ==
== Innervation ==
The penis — the organ of copulation — is heavily innervated with afferent<ref>{{REFweb
The normal [[foreskinned]] penis — the organ of copulation — is heavily innervated with afferent<ref>{{REFweb
  |url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/afferent
  |url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/afferent
  |title=Afferent
  |title=Afferent
Line 59: Line 117:
  |date=2003
  |date=2003
  |accessdate=2023-11-24
  |accessdate=2023-11-24
}}</ref> nerves — meaning that sensation, which is needed for male sexual function, is transmitted to the spinal cord and/or central nervous system. The penis is also innervated by the sympathetic autonomic nervous system (SAMS) and parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (PAMS).<ref name="cepeda2023">{{REFjournal
}}</ref> nerves — meaning that sensation, which is needed for male sexual function, is transmitted to the spinal cord and/or central nervous system. The penis is also innervated by the sympathetic autonomic nervous system (SAMS) and parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (PAMS).<ref name="cepeda2023">{{REFjournal
  |last=Cepeda-Emiliani
  |last=Cepeda-Emiliani
  |first=
  |first=
Line 111: Line 169:
  |DOI=10.1038/s41443-022-00561-9  
  |DOI=10.1038/s41443-022-00561-9  
  |accessdate=2023-11-24
  |accessdate=2023-11-24
}}</ref> The penis is innervated by both dorsal and perineal nerves.<ref name="cepeda2023" />
}}</ref> The penis is innervated by both dorsal and perineal nerves.<ref name="cepeda2023"/>


The innervation in the tube of [[foreskin]] translates movement and stretching into pleasurable sensation.<ref name="garcía-mesa2021">{{REFjournal
The innervation in the tube of [[foreskin]] translates movement and stretching into pleasurable, erogenous sensation.<ref name="garcía-mesa2021">{{REFjournal
  |last=García-Mesa
  |last=García-Mesa
  |first=Yolanda
  |first=Yolanda
Line 163: Line 221:
  |DOI=10.1111/joa.13481  
  |DOI=10.1111/joa.13481  
  |accessdate=2023-11-26
  |accessdate=2023-11-26
}}</ref><ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://intactamerica.org/what-do-the-eyelids-lips-fingertips-the-intact-penis-have-in-common/
|title=What Do The Eyelids, Lips, Fingertips & The Intact Penis Have in Common?
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|publisher=Intact America
|date=2024-02-17
|accessdate=2024-02-18
}}</ref>
===The frenular delta===
[[Ken McGrath| McGrath]] (2001) described the frenular delta on the ventral side of the penis as the most sensitive part of the penis.<ref>{{REFbook
|last=McGrath
|first=
|init=K
|author-link=
|year=2001
|title= The frenular delta: a new preputial structure
|url=https://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/mcgrath1/
|work=Understanding Circumcision: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to a Multi-Dimensional Problem.
|editor=Denniston GC, Hodges FM, Milos MF, editors.
|edition=
|volume=
|chapter=Chapter 11
|pages=199-206
|location=New York
|publisher=Kluwer/Plenum
|ISBN=
|quote=The frenular delta is noted by men as the most sensitive area of their penis, especially in the mid-line nearest the frenulum, and the frenulum itself.
|accessdate=2025-09-30
|note=
}}</ref>
[[Alfonso Cepeda-Emiliani| Cepeda-Emiliani]] et al. (2025) published the most complete review of penile innervation thus far. They confirmed that the frenulal delta is the most erogenously sensitive part of the penis and compared it to the female "G-spot".<ref name="cepeda2025">{{REFjournal
|last=Cepeda-Emiliani
|first=
|init=A
|author-link=Alfonso Cepeda-Emiliani
|last2=Otero-Alén
|first2=
|init2=M
|author2-link=
|last3=Suárez-Quintanilla
|first3=
|init3=J
|author3-link=
|last4=Gándara-Cortés
|first4=
|init4=M
|author4-link=
|last5=García-Caballero
|first5=
|init5=T
|author5-link=
|last6=García-Caballero
|first6=
|init6=R
|author6-link=
|last7=García-Caballero
|first7=
|init7=L
|author7-link=
|etal=no
|title=The sensory penis: A comprehensive immunohistological and ontogenetic exploration of human penile innervation
|trans-title=
|journal=Andrology
|date=2025-09-19
|volume=
|issue=
|article=
|pages=1-41
|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/andr.70118
|archived=
|quote=
|pubmedID=40970806
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=10.1111/andr.70118
|accessdate=2025-09-30
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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  |quote=
  |quote=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
----




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The growing together of the folds results in the seam that runs from the underside of the scrotum and the penile shaft up to the tip of the foreskin. The penis now consists of the shaft containing the erectile tissue, with the glans at the top. The shaft is surrounded by the [[shaft skin]] which, however, is not knitted to it. This mobility, combined with the [[stretching]] capabilities of the [[skin]], allows for the growth in dimension of the penis during an [[erection]]. During an [[erection]] the erectile tissue fills with blood, giving the penis its stiffness and enlarged size.
The growing together of the folds results in the seam that runs from the underside of the scrotum and the penile shaft up to the tip of the foreskin. The penis now consists of the shaft containing the erectile tissue, with the glans at the top. The shaft is surrounded by the [[shaft skin]] which, however, is not knitted to it. This mobility, combined with the [[stretching]] capabilities of the [[skin]], allows for the growth in dimension of the penis during an [[erection]]. During an [[erection]] the erectile tissue fills with blood, giving the penis its stiffness and enlarged size.


In the area of the [[glans]] the [[shaft skin]] transitions into the outer layer of the foreskin, which extends past the tip of the glans. Parallel to that runs the inner layer of the foreskin. It is attached behind the rim of the glans, and runs between the glans and the outer foreskin layer, also past the tip of the glans. At the tip, the inner and outer foreskin layers are joined together.
In the area of the [[glans]] the [[shaft skin]] transitions into the outer layer of the [[foreskin]], which extends past the tip of the [[glans]]. Parallel to that runs the inner layer of the [[foreskin]]. It is attached behind the rim of the [[glans]], and runs between the [[glans]] and the outer [[foreskin]] layer, also past the tip of the [[glans]]. At the tip, the inner and outer [[foreskin]] layers are joined together.


This junction makes up the [[ridged band]]. At the underside of the penis, in the area of the seam, the inner foreskin layer is connected to the glans by the [[frenulum]].
This junction makes up the [[ridged band]]. At the underside of the penis, in the area of the seam, the inner foreskin layer is connected to the glans by the [[frenulum]].
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[[File:Circumpendium-2-penis-1-English.jpg|center|400px]]
[[File:Circumpendium-2-penis-1-English.jpg|center|400px]]


Like the [[shaft skin]], the foreskin layers are neither fused to the penis, nor to each other, but are moveable against each other. This enables the foreskin to be retracted all the way past the glans until it is stopped by the [[frenulum]].
Like the [[shaft skin]], the [[foreskin]] layers are neither fused to the penis, nor to each other, but are moveable against each other. This enables the foreskin to be retracted all the way past the glans until it is stopped by the [[frenulum]].


[[File:Circumpendium-2-penis-2-English.jpg|center|400px]]
[[File:Circumpendium-2-penis-2-English.jpg|center|400px]]


At the time of birth, the development of the external male genital organs is not completely finished. At this stage, the foreskin and glans share an epithelium (mucous layer, the balano-preputial membrane) that fuses the two together. It serves to protect the [[glans]] during infancy, and dissolves as the child develops. Premature forcible [[retraction of the foreskin]] will tear this membrane, causing great pain and injury to the boy, who suffers this abuse. The child, himself, should be the first person to retract his foreskin.<ref>{{REFjournal
At the time of birth, the development of the external male genital organs is not completely finished. At this stage, the [[foreskin]] and [[glans]] share an epithelium (mucous layer, the balano-preputial membrane) that fuses the two together. It serves to protect the [[glans]] during infancy, and dissolves as the child develops. Premature forcible [[retraction of the foreskin]] will tear this membrane, causing great [[pain]] and injury to the boy, who suffers this abuse. The child, himself, should be the first person to retract his foreskin.<ref>{{REFjournal
  |last=Wright
  |last=Wright
  |init=JE
  |init=JE
Line 216: Line 358:
  |issue=
  |issue=
  |pages=134-5
  |pages=134-5
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/normal/wright2/
  |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/normal/wright2/
  |quote=The normal prepuce should be left alone, with no attempt to retract it until the boy is able to do it himself, at the earliest at three years of age.
  |quote=The normal prepuce should be left alone, with no attempt to retract it until the boy is able to do it himself, at the earliest at three years of age.
  |pubmedID=8295581
  |pubmedID=8295581
Line 233: Line 375:
Only then the [[foreskin]] can be retracted. The age at which this occurs is subject to the child's individual development. If the foreskin is retracted prematurely, before it has fully separated, that can result in painful tears and infections.
Only then the [[foreskin]] can be retracted. The age at which this occurs is subject to the child's individual development. If the foreskin is retracted prematurely, before it has fully separated, that can result in painful tears and infections.


The widening of the [[foreskin]] also depends on age. A child's foreskin may be too tight to be retracted all the way past the glans, even though it has already completely separated from the glans. This early foreskin tightness, frequently confused with ([[phimosis]]), is a normal stage of development and vanishes with increasing age in most boys.
The widening of the [[foreskin]] also depends on age. A child's [[foreskin]] may be too tight to be retracted all the way past the [[glans]], even though it has already completely separated from the glans. This early [[foreskin]] tightness, frequently confused with ([[phimosis]]), is a normal stage of development and vanishes with increasing age in most boys.


A study by the Danish paediatrician and school doctor, [[Jakob Øster]], of 9,545 examinations of pupils, published in 1968, led to the following results<ref>{{OesterJ 1968}}</ref>:
A study by the Danish paediatrician and school doctor, [[Jakob Øster]], of 9,545 examinations of pupils, published in 1968, led to the following results<ref>{{OesterJ 1968}}</ref>:
<br><br>
 
{|border='1' style='text-align:right' cellpadding='2'
{|border='1' style='text-align:right' cellpadding='2'
!width='15%'|Age
!width='15%'|Age
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  |accessdate=2019-10-01
  |accessdate=2019-10-01
}}</ref> Non-retractile foreskin is the more common condition until about 10-11 years of age.
}}</ref> Non-retractile foreskin is the more common condition until about 10-11 years of age.
== Penis size ==
The average length of the adult penis is 5.5 inches or 14 centimeters. The average girth is 4.6 inches or 11.7 centimeters.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://unravelingsize.wordpress.com/
|title=Unravelling size
|last=
|first=
|init=
|publisher=
|website=wordpress.com
|date=
|accessdate=2023-12-29
}}</ref>
==Effect of foreskin restoration==
Previously [[circumcised]] men who have [[restored]] their [[foreskin]] report that their penis has much more [[Erogenous sensation of the foreskin| sensation]] with a foreskin. Restored men report being surprised by unexpected pleasurable sensations.
== Videos ==
=== The Penis ===
<youtube>v=4qbUdVk-QvE</youtube>
=== What Happens to Your Penis As You Age? A Doctor Explains===
<youtube>v=2ixNxjJOJu0</youtube>
{{SEEALSO}}
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Body pleasure]]
* [[Circumcision - Penis SensitivityTest]]
* [[Erection]]
* [[Erogenous sensation of the foreskin]]
* [[Foreskin]]
* [[Foreskin sensitivity]]
* [[Glans penis]]
* [[Gliding action]]
* [[Gliding action]]
* [[Long foreskins]]
* [[Jojoba]]
* [[Meissner's corpuscles]]
* [[Meissner's corpuscles]]
* [[Preputial sac]]
{{LINKS}}
{{LINKS}}
* {{REFbook
* {{REFbook
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  |accessdate=2023-11-08
  |accessdate=2023-11-08
  |note=
  |note=
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://intactaus.org/information/functions-of-the-foreskin/
|title=Functions of the Foreskin
|last=
|first=
|init=
|publisher=Intact Australia
|date=
|accessdate=2025-07-27
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://intactamerica.org/key-functions-of-the-penis/
|title=The Four Functions of the Penis
|last=Cartwright-Smith
|first=Jeffrey
|init=
|author-link=Jeffrey Cartwright-Smith
|publisher=Intact America
|date=2025-09-28
|accessdate=2025-10-08
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://www.yourwholebaby.org/the-intact-male-body/
|title=Why is an Intact Penis Important?
|publisher=Your Whole Baby
|accessdate=2026-01-29
}}
* {{NSFW}} {{REFweb
|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/penisquestion/
|title=Penis question blog
|publisher=Reddit
|accessdate=2026-02-22
}}
}}
{{REF}}   
{{REF}}   


 
[[Category:Penis]]
[[Category:Genital]]
[[Category:Genital]]
[[Category:Male sexuality]]\
[[Category:Male sexuality]]
[[Category:Medical_term]]
[[Category:Penile anatomy]]
[[Category:Penile anatomy]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[Category:Physiology]]


[[de:Penis]]
[[de:Penis]]
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