Immunological and protective function of the foreskin: Difference between revisions
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|url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/453164 | |url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/453164 | ||
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}}</ref> in reality the opposite is true. The [[foreskin]] is designed by nature to be self cleaning and to provide significant natural '''immunological and protective function''' against all types of [[infection]], including [[HIV]]. | }}</ref> in reality the opposite is true. The [[foreskin]] is designed by nature to be self-cleaning and to provide significant natural '''immunological and protective function''' against all types of [[infection]], including [[HIV]]. | ||
== The protective and hygienic function of the foreskin == | == The protective and hygienic function of the foreskin == | ||
The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The foreskin protects the delicate [[glans]] of the [[penis]] and puts the [[urethra]] at a distance from its environment, protecting it from foreign contaminants and pathogens of all kinds while simultaneously shielding the [[penis]] from injury. It is a double fold of [[skin]] which offers two layers of protection to prevent [[keratinization]] and maintain sensitivity. | The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The [[foreskin]] protects the delicate [[glans]] of the [[penis]] and puts the [[urethra]] at a distance from its environment, protecting it from foreign contaminants and pathogens of all kinds while simultaneously shielding the [[penis]] from injury. It is a double fold of [[skin]] which offers two layers of protection to prevent [[keratinization]] and maintain sensitivity. | ||
At birth, the [[foreskin]] is usually attached to the glans (head) of the penis by a [[synechia]], akin to how a fingernail is attached to a finger.<ref>{{REFjournal | At birth, the [[foreskin]] is usually attached to the [[glans]] (head) of the [[penis]] by a [[synechia]], akin to how a fingernail is attached to a finger.<ref>{{REFjournal | ||
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}}</ref> The [[preputial sac]] is sealed by the synechia so it cannot be infected. | }}</ref> The [[preputial sac]] is sealed by the synechia so it cannot be infected. | ||
In infancy, the foreskin's tubular neck (prepucial orifice) is often long and narrow while the sphincter muscle in the tip of the [[foreskin]] keeps its opening closed. This acts as an extension of the [[urethra]].<ref>{{REFjournal | In infancy, the foreskin's tubular neck (prepucial orifice) is often long and narrow while the [[Dartos]] sphincter muscle in the tip of the [[foreskin]] keeps its opening closed. This acts as an extension of the [[urethra]].<ref>{{REFjournal | ||
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}}</ref> They are also present in the eyelid and perform the same function in both places. They secrete the oils necessary to keep the [[glans]] surface soft, moist, smooth, warm, sensitive, and with a healthy glistening red or purple color. This moisturizer also maintains PH balance, and optimal cleanliness. This is required to keep the surface of the glans healthy and clean via the cleaning effects of mucous secretions. Again, this function is analogous to the eye lid. The [[glans penis]] is meant to be an internal organ covered and protected from the outside world. | }}</ref> They are also present in the eyelid and perform the same function in both places. They secrete the oils necessary to keep the [[glans]] surface soft, moist, smooth, warm, sensitive, and with a healthy glistening red or purple color. This moisturizer also maintains PH balance, and optimal cleanliness. This is required to keep the surface of the glans healthy and clean via the cleaning effects of mucous secretions. Again, this function is analogous to the eye lid. The [[glans penis]] is meant to be an internal organ covered and protected from the outside world. | ||
In the genitally [[intact]] [[penis]] the [[urine]] stream flushes out the [[urethra]] and [[foreskin]] of foreign microbes. In healthy individuals, [[urine]] is sterile and has a disinfectant quality. Researchers have demonstrated that the swirling action of [[urine]] as it rushes through the foreskin flushes it out effortlessly and naturally.<ref name="parkash-jeykumar1973">{{REFjournal | In the genitally [[intact]] [[penis]] the [[urine]] stream flushes out the [[urethra]] and [[foreskin]] of foreign microbes. In healthy individuals, [[urine]] is sterile and has a disinfectant quality. Researchers have demonstrated that the swirling action of [[urine]] as it rushes through the [[foreskin]] flushes it out effortlessly and naturally.<ref name="parkash-jeykumar1973">{{REFjournal | ||
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== The immunological function of the foreskin == | == The immunological function of the foreskin == | ||
The foreskin's inner fold and the [[glans]] of the penis are comprised of [[Preputial mucosa|mucous membrane]] tissue. These are also present in your eyes, mouth, and all other bodily orifices including the female genitals. These are the first line of immunological defense for the body's orifices. These mucous membranes perform many immunological and hygienic functions. | The foreskin's inner fold and the [[glans]] of the [[penis]] are comprised of [[Preputial mucosa|mucous membrane]] tissue. These are also present in your eyes, mouth, and all other bodily orifices including the female genitals. These are the first line of immunological defense for the body's orifices. These mucous membranes perform many immunological and hygienic functions. | ||
Certain components such as [[Langerhans cells]],<ref>{{REFjournal | Certain components such as [[Langerhans cells]],<ref>{{REFjournal | ||
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<!--In infancy, simple sugars in breast milk, like antibacterial oligosaccharides, are acquired from the mother's milk and excreted in [[urine]]. University studies have shown that these substances cling to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the inner foreskin and protect against urinary tract infections,<ref>Hanson LA, Karlsson B, Jalil F, et al. Antiviral and antibacterial factors in human milk. In: Hanson LA, ed. ''Biology of Human Milk''. New York Raven Press; 1988. pp. 141-57</ref> as well as infections in other parts of the body.<ref>Coppa GV, Gabrielli O, Giorgi P, Catassi C, Montanari MP, Veraldo PE, Nichols BL. Preliminary study of breast feeding and bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells. ''Lancet'' 1990 Mar 10;335(8689):569-71.</ref> Babies excrete in their [[urine]] about 300-500 milligrams of oligosaccharides each day. These compounds prevent virulent strains of ''Escherichia coli'' from adhering to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the entire urinary tract, including the foreskin and glans. For these reasons breast-milk is highly efficacious at preventing UTI.<ref>Gothefors L, Olling S, Winberg J. Breastfeeding and biological properties of faecal ''E. coli'' strains. ''Acta Paediatr Scand'' 1975 Nov;54(6):807-12.</ref> Rigorous studies have repeatedly demonstrated that breast feeding protects against urinary tract infections.<ref>Mårild S. Breastfeeding and Urinary Tract Infections. ''Lancet'' 1990;336:942.</ref> <ref>Pisacane A, et al. Breastfeeding and urinary tract infection. ''The Lancet'', July 7, 1990, p50 </ref> <ref>Pisacane A, Graziano L, Mazzarella G, et al. Breast-feeding and urinary tract infection. ''J Pediatr'' 1992;120:87-89.</ref> | <!--In infancy, simple sugars in breast milk, like antibacterial oligosaccharides, are acquired from the mother's milk and excreted in [[urine]]. University studies have shown that these substances cling to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the inner foreskin and protect against urinary tract infections,<ref>Hanson LA, Karlsson B, Jalil F, et al. Antiviral and antibacterial factors in human milk. In: Hanson LA, ed. ''Biology of Human Milk''. New York Raven Press; 1988. pp. 141-57</ref> as well as infections in other parts of the body.<ref>Coppa GV, Gabrielli O, Giorgi P, Catassi C, Montanari MP, Veraldo PE, Nichols BL. Preliminary study of breast feeding and bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells. ''Lancet'' 1990 Mar 10;335(8689):569-71.</ref> Babies excrete in their [[urine]] about 300-500 milligrams of oligosaccharides each day. These compounds prevent virulent strains of ''Escherichia coli'' from adhering to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the entire urinary tract, including the foreskin and glans. For these reasons breast-milk is highly efficacious at preventing UTI.<ref>Gothefors L, Olling S, Winberg J. Breastfeeding and biological properties of faecal ''E. coli'' strains. ''Acta Paediatr Scand'' 1975 Nov;54(6):807-12.</ref> Rigorous studies have repeatedly demonstrated that breast feeding protects against urinary tract infections.<ref>Mårild S. Breastfeeding and Urinary Tract Infections. ''Lancet'' 1990;336:942.</ref> <ref>Pisacane A, et al. Breastfeeding and urinary tract infection. ''The Lancet'', July 7, 1990, p50 </ref> <ref>Pisacane A, Graziano L, Mazzarella G, et al. Breast-feeding and urinary tract infection. ''J Pediatr'' 1992;120:87-89.</ref> | ||
Researchers have shown that premature foreskin retraction can expose the penis to hospital strains of ''Escherichia coli'' and can result in UTI.<ref>Winberg J, et al. The prepuce: A mistake of nature? ''Lancet'' 1989, pp.598-99.</ref> Hence the protective function of the foreskin is in the child's best interest, especially during chemically treated diaper wearing years where feces mixed with [[urine]] can not only contaminate the permanently exposed [[urinary meatus]] but also the [[amputation]] wound from the circumcision surgery itself. | Researchers have shown that premature foreskin retraction can expose the [[penis]] to hospital strains of ''Escherichia coli'' and can result in UTI.<ref>Winberg J, et al. The prepuce: A mistake of nature? ''Lancet'' 1989, pp.598-99.</ref> Hence the protective function of the foreskin is in the child's best interest, especially during chemically treated diaper wearing years where feces mixed with [[urine]] can not only contaminate the permanently exposed [[urinary meatus]] but also the [[amputation]] wound from the circumcision surgery itself. | ||
It is important to note that women have a higher risk of UTI. This is because the shorter [[urethra]] offers less protection via the immunological function of the [[urethra]]'s [[mucosa]]l lining. By the same observation we see that the tubular tip of the foreskin and its [[mucosa]]l lining act as an extension of the [[urethra]], hence providing more of that same protection via [[mucosa]] immunology and the adherence of antibacterial substances in breast milk. Understandably, removal of the foreskin destroys all this functionality.--> | It is important to note that women have a higher risk of UTI. This is because the shorter [[urethra]] offers less protection via the immunological function of the [[urethra]]'s [[mucosa]]l lining. By the same observation we see that the tubular tip of the foreskin and its [[mucosa]]l lining act as an extension of the [[urethra]], hence providing more of that same protection via [[mucosa]] immunology and the adherence of antibacterial substances in breast milk. Understandably, removal of the foreskin destroys all this functionality.--> | ||
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* [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | * [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | ||
* [[Foreskin]] | * [[Foreskin]] | ||
* [[Penis]] | |||
* [[Pheromone]] | * [[Pheromone]] | ||
* [[Preputial sac]] | * [[Preputial sac]] | ||
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{{REF}} | {{REF}} | ||
[[Category:Education]] | |||
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]] | [[Category:Foreskin anatomy]] | ||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||