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General revision.
Purpura et al. (2018) described the foreskin as follows:
<blockquote>
Few parts of the human anatomy can compare to the incredibly multifaceted nature of the human foreskin. At times dismissed as “just [[skin]],” the adult foreskin is, in fact, a highly vascularized and densely innervated bilayer tissue, with a surface area of up to 90 cm, and potentially larger. On average, the foreskin accounts for 51% of the total length of the penile [[shaft skin]] and serves a multitude of functions. The tissue is highly dynamic and biomechanically functions like a roller bearing; during intercourse, the foreskin “unfolds” and glides as abrasive friction is reduced and lubricating fluids are retained. The sensitive foreskin is considered to be the primary erogenous zone of the male [[penis]] and is divided into four subsections: [[Preputial mucosa|inner mucosa]], [[ridged band]], [[frenulum]], and outer foreskin; each section contributes to a vast spectrum of sensory pleasure through the [[gliding action]] of the foreskin, which mechanically stretches and stimulates the densely packed corpuscular receptors. Specialized immunological properties should be noted by the presence of [[Langerhans cells]] and other lytic materials, which defend against common microbes, and there is robust evidence supporting [[HIV]] protection. The [[glans penis| glans]] and inner [[mucosa]] are physically protected against external irritation and contaminants while maintaining a healthy, moist surface. The foreskin is also immensely vascularized and acts as a conduit for essential blood vessels within the [[penis]], such as supplying the [[glans]] via the frenular artery.<ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Purpura
|first=Valeria
The foreskin is considered to have three parts:
* The outer foreskin which is coverer with true [[skin]].
* The inner foreskin and [[ridged band]] which is covered with mucosal membrane. ([[Mucosa]])
* The [[frenulum]] which connects the foreskin to the [[glans penis]] and usually limits retraction.
===Foreskin in adulthood===
The foreskin may be retractable or non-retractable. Most men have a retractable foreskin, but about two to four five percent have a longer, tighter, non-retractable foreskin, which is a normal variant.
The foreskin (also known as the ''prepuce'') is the layered fold of smooth muscle tissue, blood vessels, neurons, [[skin]], and [[Preputial mucosa|mucous membrane]] part of the [[penis]] that covers and protects the [[glans penis]] and the urinary meatus.<ref name="cold-taylor1999"/> There are four layers of tissue in the foreskin. The top layer is either epidermis in the outer foreskin or [[mucosa]], in the inner foreskin. The second layer is the lamina propria. The third layer is the [[dartos]]. The fourth layer is the dermis. It is normal for the foreskin to become darker in color than the rest of one's body after puberty. This condition is called hyperpigmentation.
The highly innervated [[ridged band]] area is found at the mucocutaneous junction. The ridged band area is characterized by rete ridges with [[Meissner's corpuscles]] in the ridges.<ref name="taylor1996"/>
As with other neurologic structures such as the brain, the tip of the prepuce is richly supplied with blood by important vascular structures.<ref name="taylor1996"/> The prepuce serves as a conduit for several important veins.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998">{{FleissP HodgesF VanHoweRS 1998}}</ref> The [[glans penis ]] receives blood through the frenular artery.<ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Persad
|init=R
Natural foreskins are found in all lengths from very short to very long. Most appear to fall near the center of the range with very few at the two extremes in accordance with the rules for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_distribution normal distribution]. Longer foreskins appear to perform their [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin| protective and immunological function]] more satisfactorily. A short or inadequate foreskin may be lengthened by [[tissue expansion]] to improve function and aesthetics.
The tapered tip of a longer foreskin that extends beyond the [[glans penis]] is known as the ''[[acroposthion]]''. A very few of the longest foreskins will not remain retracted when released, but will spontaneously [[Gliding action| glide]] forward to recover the [[glans penis]]. Longer foreskins improve protection and [[gliding action]] and do not usually create an issue. There is no recognized definition of an excessively long or so-called "redundant" foreskin.<ref name="tip2022">{{REFweb
|url=http://acroposthion.com/the-tip-at-the-end/
|title=The ‘Tip’ At The End
|format=PDF
|accessdate=2023-10-01
}}</ref> <ref>{{REFdocument
|title=Policy Paper: Newborn Circumcision as a Negative Wellness Factor
|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394517060_Policy_Paper_Newborn_Circumcision_as_a_Negative_Wellness_Factor
|contribution=
|last=Bollinger
|first=Dan
|publisher=Research Gate
|format=PDF
|date=2025-08
|accessdate=2025-08-29
}}</ref>
* [[Acroposthion]]
* [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]]
* [[Circumcision: Effect upon erectile function]]
* [[Circumcision - Penis SensitivityTest]]
* [[Erogenous sensation of the foreskin]]