17,409
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Wikify.
{{GraphicWarning}}
In male human anatomy, the '''glans penis''' (or simply glans, /ɡlænz/)[1] is the sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the [[penis]]. The glans is anatomically homologous to the [[clitoral glans]] of the human female. Typically, the glans is completely or partially covered by the [[foreskin]], except in men who have been [[circumcised]], though the [[foreskin]] can generally be retracted over and past the glans.
[[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 conditions, is moist and supple. If left uncovered for long periods of time, the surface of the glans becomes desiccated. In the [[circumcision|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]].