17,111
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Foreskin
,no edit summary
Purpura ''et al.'' (2018) describe the foreskin as follows:
{{Citation
|Text=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.
|Author=Purpura ''et al.''
|ref=<ref>{{REFjournal
===Foreskin in adulthood===
The foreskin (also known as the prepuce) is the double-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"/> The adult foreskin measures about 3 inches by 5 inches or 15 square inches.<ref name="taylor1996">{{REFjournal
|last=Taylor
|first=J.R.
|DOI=10.1046/j.1464-410X.1996.85023.x
|accessdate=2019-10-14
}}</ref> The two foreskin layers provide a skin reserve. When the penis becomes erect, the foreskin may wholly or partially unfold to provide the necesssary necessary skin to allow for expansion of the penis during erection.
The foreskin is the movable part of the penis. The foreskin is not attached to the underlying structure and is free to glide back and forth.<ref name="lakshmanan-prakash1980">{{REFjournal
}}</ref>
The epithelium of the outer layer of the foreskin is true skin while the epithelium of the inner layer is [[Preputial mucosa| mucosal membrane]]. There is a mucocutaneous boundary at the tip of the foreskin. The mucocutaneous junction is a specific erogenous zone.<ref name="winklemann1959">{{REFjournal
|last=Winkelmann
|first=R.K.