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===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 [[The Foreskin: 15 Square Inches of Erogenous Tissue| 15 square inches]].<ref name="taylor1996">{{TaylorJR LockwoodAP TaylorAJ 1996}}</ref> The two foreskin layers provide a [[skin]] reserve. When the penis becomes erect, the foreskin may wholly or partially unfold to provide the 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 [[gliding action| glide back and forth]].<ref name="lakshmanan-prakash1980">{{REFjournal
}}</ref> The adult foreskin frequently has prominent visible veins.
The layer of [[dartos]] muscle is contained within the foreskin.<ref name="cold-taylor1999 /> It makes the foreskin rather stretchy. The dartos muscle keeps the foreskin snugly against the [[glans]]. The fibers of the [[dartos muscle form a whorl at the tip that functions as a sphincter. The sphincter opens to allow [[urine]] to flow out, but closes to protect the penis ]] from foreign matter, contaminants, and pathogens.<ref name="lakshmanan-prakash1980"/><ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Jefferson
|first=
|accessdate=2019-10-14
}}</ref>
===Foreskin length===
Natural foreskins are found in all lengths from very short to very long. Most fall near the center of the range.