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=== Immunological functions ===
Fleiss ''et al''. (1998) have listed numerous immunological functions of the foreskin that help to protect the human body against infection. The foreskin maintains the moistness of the [[preputial mucosa]] and the [[glans penis]] by [[transudation]]. The sub-preputial moisture contains cathepsin B, chymotrypsin, neutrophil elastase, cytokines, and lysozyme, which has the capacity to desttroy the cell walls of bacteria. The preputial muscles keep the tip of the foreskin closed to keep out pathogens.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/>
The foreskin is highly vascularized. The high rate of blood flow helps to prevent infection.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/>