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The results of a fascinating study conducted by Dr. [[Christopher J. Cold]] and Dr. [[Ken McGrath|Kenneth A. McGrath]] demonstrate that the human [[foreskin]] is an evolutionary advancement over the foreskins of other primates. The human [[foreskin]] is far more sophisticated and responsive, as their comparative anatomy studies prove. This is seen most clearly in the evolutionary increase in corpuscular innervation and simultaneous decrease in corpuscular receptors in the human glans relative to the innervation of the foreskin and glans of lower primates.<ref>Cold CJ, [[Ken McGrath|McGrath KA]]. [http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/cold-mcgrat/ Anatomy and histology of the penile and clitoral prepuce in primates: an evolutionary perspective of the specializes sensory tissue of the external genitalia]. In: Denniston GC, Hodges MF, Milos FM (eds). ''Male and female circumcision: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Practice''. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1999. pp. 19-29</ref>
In other words, in monkeys and apes, the glans is more sensitive then the foreskin. In humans, this is reversed, so that the [[foreskin]] is more sensitive then the glans.
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[[Image:Glans side.jpg|right|thumb|Human penis with its foreskin retracted to expose the glans.]]
The glans penis, or simply the glans, refers to the ''head of the penis''. The glans is normally covered by a hood of folded [[skin]] called the [[foreskin]]. The foreskin moisturizes the glans penis by [[transudation]]. The surface of the glans is mucosal tissue that, under normal conditionsin the [[preputial sac]], is moist and supple. If left uncovered for long periods of time, the surface of the glans becomes desiccated. In the [[circumcised]] penis, the glans is permanently exposed; the surface of the glans dries out and develops layers of [[keratinization|keratin]] and loses sensation.
The glans penis receives much of its blood supply through the [[frenular artery]]. If the frenular artery is damaged by circumcision, the glans penis of some men may not get full [[erection]].
==First retraction of the foreskin==
The corona of the glans contains scattered free nerve endings, genital end bulbs, and pacinian corpuscles, which transmit sensations of pain and deep pressure. The glans is nearly incapable of detecting light touch.
An impressive study performed by objective Chinese researchers conclusively demonstrated that [[adult circumcision| circumcision]] reduces the glans sensitivity to vibration. "The test group were 1.97 +/- 0.71, 2.64 +/- 1.38, 3.09 +/-1.46 and 2.97 +/- 1.20 respectively before and 1, 2 and 3 months after circumcision, with significant difference between pre- and post-operation (P < 0.05).<ref name="young2008">{{REFjournal
|last=Yang
|accessdate=2024-03-14
}}</ref>
==Comparison with other primates==
The results of a fascinating study conducted by Dr. [[Christopher J. Cold]] and Dr. [[Ken McGrath|Kenneth A. McGrath]] demonstrate that the human [[foreskin]] is an evolutionary advancement over the foreskins of other primates. The human [[foreskin]] is far more sophisticated and responsive, as their comparative anatomy studies prove. This is seen most clearly in the evolutionary increase in corpuscular innervation and simultaneous decrease in corpuscular receptors in the human glans relative to the innervation of the foreskin and glans of lower primates.<ref>Cold CJ, [[Ken McGrath|McGrath KA]]. [http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/cold-mcgrat/ Anatomy and histology of the penile and clitoral prepuce in primates: an evolutionary perspective of the specializes sensory tissue of the external genitalia]. In: Denniston GC, Hodges MF, Milos FM (eds). ''Male and female circumcision: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Practice''. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1999. pp. 19-29</ref>
In other words, in monkeys and apes, the glans is more sensitive then the foreskin. In humans, this is reversed, so that the [[foreskin]] is more sensitive then the glans.
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Sexual effects of circumcision]]