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Anatomical investigations have identified For over a hundred years, anatomical research has confirmed that both the penile and clitoral prepuce ([[foreskin]]) are richly innervated, specific erogenous tissue with specialised encapsulated (corpuscular) sensory receptors, such as a primary erogenous zone in humans.[[Meissner's corpuscles]],<ref name="ErogenousZonesgarcía-mesa2021">{{REFjournal | last=WinkelmannGarcía-Mesa | first=R.KYolanda |init= |author-link= |last2=García-Piqueras |first2=Jorge |init2= |author2-link= |last3=Cobo |first3=Ramón |init3= |author3-link= |last4=Martín-Cruces |first4=José |init4= |author4-link= |last5=Suazo |first5=Iván |init5= |author5-link= |last6=García-Suárez |first6=Olivia |init6= |author6-link= |last7=Feito |first7=Jorge |init7= |author7-link= |last8= |first8=Vega |init8=José A. | coauthorsauthor8-link= |etal=no | title="The Erogenous Zones: Their nerve supply and significance." Proceedings Sensory innervation of the staff meetings human male prepuce: Meissner's corpuscles predominate |trans-title= |language= |journal=Journal of the Mayo Clinic.Anatomy |location= | journaldate=2021-10 | volume=34239 | issue=24 |article= |page= | pages=39892-47902 | url=httphttps://wwwonlinelibrary.ncbiwiley.nlmcom/doi/full/10.nih1111/joa.gov/pubmed/13645790?dopt13481 |archived=Abstract | quote= | pubmedID=1364579034120333 | pubmedCID=8450466 | DOI= | date=195910.1111/joa.13481 | accessdate=20192021-0911-1015}}</ref> For over a hundred years, anatomical research has confirmed that both the penile and clitoral prepuce (foreskin) are richly innervated, specific erogenous tissue with specialised encapsulated (corpuscular) sensory receptors, such as Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, genital corpuscles, Krause end bulbs, Ruffini corpuscles, and mucocutaneous corpuscles. These receptors transmit sensations of fine touch, pressure, proprioception, and temperature.<ref name="Nervenendigungen">{{REFjournal | last=Dogiel | first=A.S. | coauthorsinit=AS | title=Die Nervenendigungen in der Schleimhaut der äusseren Genitalorgane des Menschen |trans-title=Nerve endings in a mucous membrane of external genital organs of the human |language=German | journal=Archiv für Mikroskopische Anatomie | volume=41 | issue= | pages=585-612 | url= | quote= | pubmedID= | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=1893 | accessdate=2021-06-21
In the [[AAP]]'s 2012 Circumcision Taskforce report, the issues ==Sorrells study of sensitivity reduction were given obligatory mention but largely glossed over, and little space was devotes to the topicpenis fine-touch sensation. ==
Add link in SEEALSO section.
Anatomical investigations have identified the prepuce as a primary erogenous zone in humans.<ref name="ErogenousZones">{{Construction SiteWinkelmannRK 1959}}</ref> Falliers (1970) commented on the "sensory pleasure induced by tactile stimulation of the foreskin."<ref name="falliers1970">{{REFjournal |last=Falliers |first= |init=CJ |author-link= |etal=no |title=Circumcision |trans-title= |language= |journal=JAMA |location= |date=1970-12 |volume=214 |issue=12 |article= |page=2194 |pages= |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/general/falliers1/ |archived= |quote= |pubmedID=5536586 |pubmedCID= |DOI= |accessdate=2021-11-17}}</ref>
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
| last=Dogiel | first=A.S. | coauthorsinit=AS | title=Über die Nervenendapparate in der Haut des Menschen |trans-title=About the nerve end apparatuses in the human [[skin]] |language=German | journal=Ztschr Wiss Zool | volume=75 | issue= | pages=46-111 | url=h | quote= | pubmedID= | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=1903 | accessdate=2021-06-21
}}</ref><ref name="Ohmori">{{REFjournal
| last=Ohmori | firstinit=D. | coauthors= | title=Über die Entwicklung der Innervation der Genitalapparate als peripheren Aufnahmeapperat der Genitalen genitalen Reflexe |trans-title=About development of the innervation of the genital apparatuses as a peripheral recording device of the genital reflexes |language=German | journal=Zeitschrift fur für Anatomie und Entwicklungsgeschichte | volume=70 | issue=1 | pages=347-410 | url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02117201 | quote= | pubmedID= | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=1924 | accessdate=2021-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal |last=Yamada |init=K. |title=Studies in the innervation in tenth month human embryo. |journal=Tohoku J Exper Med |date=1951: |volume=54 |page=151 |url=https:151//www.jstage.jst.go. jp/article/tjem1920/54/2/54_2_151/_pdf}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal |last=Yamada |init=K. |title=On the sensory nerve terminations in clitoris in human adult. |journal=Tohoku J Exper Med |year=1951; |volume=54: |pages=163- 74174 |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/tjem1920/54/2/54_2_163/_article/-char/ja/}}</ref><ref name="CutaneousInnervation">{{REFjournal | last=Winkelmann | first=R.K. | coauthorsinit=RK | title=The cutaneous innervation of human newborn prepuce | journal=Journal of investigative dermatology | volume=26 | issue=1 | pages=53–67 | url=http://www.ncbicirp.nlm.nih.govorg/library/anatomy/pubmedwinkelmann2/13295637?dopt=Abstract | quote= | pubmedID=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13295637?dopt=Abstract | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=1956 | accessdate=2020-04-30
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
| last=Winkelmann | first=R.K. | coauthorsinit=RK | title=The mucocutaneous end-organ | journal=Arch Dermatol | volume=76 | issue= | pages=225-235 | url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/525127 | quote= | pubmedID= | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=1957 | accessdate=2021-06-21
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
| last=Krantz | first=K.E. | coauthorsinit=KE | title=Innervation of the human vulva and vagina: a microscopic study | journal=Obstet Gynecol | volume=12 | issue= | pages=382-96 | url=https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Citation/1958/10000/Innervation_of_the_Human_Vulva_and_Vagina__A.4.aspx | quote= | pubmedID= | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=1958 | accessdate=2021-06-21
}}</ref><ref name="ErogenousZones"/><ref>{{REFbook
|last=Butler
|firstinit=AB
|last2=Hodos
|first2init2=W
|year=1996
|title=Comparative Vertebrate Neuroanatomy: Evolution and Adaptation
== Nerve types ==
The two primary sensory receptors in primate [[skin ]] are free nerve endings and encapsulated or corpuscular receptors. While free nerve endings (pain, itch, and temperature receptors) are found in most [[skin]], the encapsulated receptors are concentrated in regions that require specialised touch sensitivity, such as at the fingertips, lips, external genitalia, perianal [[skin]], and transition areas between [[skin ]] and [[Mucosa| mucous membranes]].<ref>{{REFbook |last=Stenn |first=K.S. |init=KS, |last2=Bhawan |first2=J. |init2=J |chapter=The normal histology of the skin |editors=Farmer E. in: Farmer ERR. / Hood AFA. edsF. |title=Pathology of the Skin. |location=Norwalk, CT: |publisher=Appleton and Lange. |year=1990.}}</ref>
The Innervation innervation of the [[foreskin ]] is impressive <ref>{{REFjournal |last=Moldwin |init=RM, |last2=Valderrama |init2=E. |title=Immunohistochemical analysis of nerve distribution patterns within preputial tissues. |journal=J Urol |date=1989 Apr;-04 |volume=141( |issue=4): |page=499A. (abstract)}}</ref> The [[foreskin ]] is what's known as a ''specific erogenous zone''.<ref name="ErogenousZones"/> This means that it is richly equipped with a high density and concentration of specialized and sophisticated nerve receptors that convey pleasure.<ref name="garcía-mesa2021" /> The presence of specialized nerves, nerves that do no not exist elsewhere, make this part of the [[penis ]] especially important. Consequently, this has been studied in detail by respected anatomists for over a century, who have transformed their knowledge by detailed empirical observation of the nerves that are present in the [[foreskin]].
As the most richly innervated part of the [[penis]], the [[foreskin ]] has the largest number of nerve receptors, as well as the greatest variety of nerve receptors. <ref name="garcía-mesa2021"/> These specialized nerve endings include:
* [[Meissner's corpuscles]],<ref name="garcía-mesa2021"/><ref name="Mucosa">{{REFjournal | last=Taylor JR, Lockwood AP, Taylor AJ | first= | coauthors= | title=The prepuce: Specialized mucosa of the penis and its loss to circumcision | journal=British Journal of Urology International | volume=77 | issue=2 | pages=291-295 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8800902?dopt=Abstract | quote= | pubmedID=8800902 | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=TaylorJR LockwoodAP TaylorAJ 1996 | accessdate=}}</ref>
* free nerve endings, end bulbs of Krause,<ref name="Nervenendigungen"/><ref name="Depth">{{REFjournal
| last=Bazett |init=HC, |last2=McGlone |init2=B, |last3=Williams |init3=RG, Lufkin HM | firstlast4=Lufkin | coauthorsinit4=HM | title=Depth, distribution and probable identification in the prepuce of sensory end-organs concerned in sensations of temperature and touch; thermometric conductivity | journal=Archives of Neurology and psychiatry | volume=27 | issue=3 | pages=489-517 | url=http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/bazett/ | quote= | pubmedID= | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=March 1932 | accessdate=2020-04-27
}}</ref>
* Pacinian corpuscles,<ref name="Ohmori"/>
* genital and end bulbs <ref>{{REFjournal |last=Halata |init=Z, |last2=Munger |init2=BL. |title=The neuroanatomical basis for the protopathic sensibility og of the human glans penis. |journal=Brain Res |date=1986 Apr23;-04-23 |volume=371( |issue=2): |pages=205-30.230}}</ref>
* Genital bodies,<ref name="Ohmori"/>
* and Vater-Pacinian corpuscles.<ref name="CutaneousInnervation"/>
These remarkable organs provide the [[foreskin ]] with its amazing ability to detect the slightest sensations of touch, motion, temperature, and pressure. We are still unaware of all the facts about these fascinating structures. Future research may discover even more nerve receptors in the foreskin and help clarify what purposes they serve.The primary zones of erogenous sensitivity are the [[frenulum]], [[ridged band]] of [[Preputial mucosa|mucosa]], and the preputial orifice and the external fold of the [[foreskin]]. All of these zones are orgasmic triggers. Continuous gentle stimulation of any one of these areas can elicit pleasure, [[erection]], orgasm, and ejaculation. Some men report that simple retraction of their foreskin causes [[erection]].
== Meissner's corpuscle corpuscles ==
[[Image:Meissner's corpuscle.jpg|right|thumb|Meissner's corpuscle.]]
Distributed on various areas of the [[skin]], but concentrated in areas especially sensitive to light touch, such as the fingers, lips, nipples and foreskin.<ref>{{REFjournal |last=Cauna, |first=Nikolajs, and |init=N |last2=Ross |first2=Leonard L. Ross. " |init2=LL |title=The fine structure of meissner[[Meissner's corpuscles|Meissner's touch corpuscles ]] of human fingers." |journal=Journal of Cell Biology. |volume=8. |issue=2 ( |date=1960): |pages=467-82. Print. 482 |DOI: =10.1083/jcb.8.2.467}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal |last=Hoffmann et al. " |etal=yes |title=Meissner corpuscles and somatosensory acuity." |journal=Anat Rec A Discov Mol Cell Evol Biol ( |date=2004): |pages=1138-47. Web.1147}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal |last=Bongiorno et al. " |etal=yes |title=Neurofibromatosis of the nipple-areolar area: a case series." |journal=Journal of Medical Case Reports |volume=4. |issue=22 ( |date=2010): n. pag. Web. -12-27 Dec 2010. |DOI: =10.1186/1752-1947-4-22}}</ref><ref> {{REFbook |last=Martini and |last2=Bartholomew. |title=Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology. |edition=3. |publisher=Pearson Benjamin Cummings, |year=2010. Print.}}</ref><ref>{{REFbook |last=Afifi and |last2=Bergman. |title=Functional neuroanatomy: text and atlas. |publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional, |year=1998. |edition=16. Print. ISBN |isbn=0070015899}}</ref> They are concentrated in areas of the body denoted as erogenous zones, which include the foreskin, [[clitoris]], lip and nipple.<ref name="ErogenousZones"/> J.R. Taylor (1996) noted their presence in the foreskin,<ref name="Mucosa"/> and C.J. Cold & Taylor (1999) reported "Most of the encapsulated receptors of the foreskin are [[Meissner's corpuscles|Meissner corpuscles]], as they contact the epithelial basement membrane."<ref>C.{{REFjournal |last=Cold |init=CJ |author-link=Christopher J. Cold and J.R. |last2=Taylor. " |init2=JR |title=The prepuce." |journal=British Journal of Urology International. |volume=83. ( |date=1999): |pages=34-44. Print [ |url=http://www.ncbicirp.nlm.nih.govorg/library/anatomy/pubmedcold-taylor/10349413?dopt |pubmedID=Abstract PMID 10349413]}}</ref> Early observations were noted by A. S. Dogiel (1893),<ref name="Nervenendigungen"/> D. Ohmori (1924),<ref name="Ohmori"/> and H. C. Bazett (1935),<ref>{{REFjournal |last=Bazett, H.C. " |init=HC |title=Methods of investigation of sensation in man and the theoretical value of the results obtained." |journal=Proc. A. Research Nerv. & Ment. Dis. |volume=15. ( |date=1935): |pages=83-97. Print.}}</ref> reported the presence of [[Meissner's corpuscles ]] in the foreskin. Haiyang ''et al.'' (2005) found and measured the density of [[Meissner's corpuscles ]] on the foreskin.<ref>{{REFjournal |last=Haiyang et al. " |etal=yes |title=Observation of Meissner's corpuscle in abundant prepuce and phimosis." |journal=Journal of Modern Urology (2005) |url=http: n//en.cnki. pagcom. Webcn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-MNWK200504018.htm |date=2005}}</ref> Dong ''et al.'' (2007) reported that the quantity of [[Meissner's corpuscles ]] on the fused smooth [[mucosa ]] of the foreskin decline with age, but not on the ridged band.<ref>{{REFjournal |last=Dong et al. " |etal=yes |title=Observation of Meissner's corpuscle on fused phimosis." |journal=Journal of Guangdong Medical College 2007 |url=http: n//en.cnki. pagcom. Webcn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-GDYY200701004. htm |date=2007 |ISSN:=1005-4057.0.2007-01-004}}</ref>
== Ridged Band ==
In 1991 the [[ridged bands band]] of the male prepuce were was identified as a concentrated area of corpuscular receptors.<ref>Taylor JR. The prepuce: What, exactly, is removed by circumcision: a preliminary report. In: Milos M,Richter L, Hodges F; eds. Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Circumcision. 1991. SanAnselmo: NOCIRC. 1994.</ref><ref name="Mucosa"/>
== Fine-touch sensitivity ==
[[Image:Fine-Touch-Pressure-Thresholds-in-the-Adult-Penis_IntactWiki.gif|right|thumb|Fine Touch Pressure Thresholds in the Adult Penis.]]
The [[foreskin ]] has important sexual nerve receptors that are removed during [[circumcision]].<ref name="CutaneousInnervation"/><ref name="ErogenousZones"/><ref name="Mucosa"/><refname="cold1999">C.{{REFjournal |last=Cold |init=CJ |author-link=Christopher J. Cold and J.R. |last2=Taylor. " |init2=JR |title=The prepuce." |journal=British Journal of Urology International. |volume=83. ( |date=1999): |pages=34-44. Print [ |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10349413?dopt=Abstract PMID |pubmedID=10349413]}}</ref> [[Circumcision ]] removes the most sensitive part of a man's [[penis]]. The five most sensitive areas of the [[penis ]] are on the [[foreskin]]. The transitional region from the external to the internal foreskin is the most sensitive region of the fully [[intact ]] penis, and more sensitive than the most sensitive region of the [[circumcised ]] [[penis]].<ref name="FineTouchPressure">{{REFjournal | last=Sorrells |first=Morris L. |init=ML |author-link=Morris L. Sorrells, |last2=Snyder |first2=James L. Snyder | firstinit2=JD | coauthorsauthor2-link=James L. Snyder | title=Fine-touch pressure thresholds in the adult penis | journal=BJU International | volume=99 | issue=4 | pages=864–869 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17378847?dopt=Abstract | quote= | pubmedID=17378847 | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=2007-10-22 | accessdate=2019-09-10
}}</ref>
In a 2007 study, which was published in the British Medical Journal''BJU International''. They physically measured the sensitivity of all the parts of the [[penis]]. They used a very accurate pressure sensing probe while the test subject, who’s view was blocked with a screen, reported a sensation of touch. To demonstrate precision they took each measurement multiple times. To no surprise, their results corroborated with the neroneuro-anatomy that has been discussed previously.
"Five locations on the uncircumcised [[foreskinned]] [[penis ]] that are routinely removed at [[circumcision ]] were more sensitive than the most sensitive location on the circumcised penis[...] The [[glans ]] in the [[circumcised ]] male is less sensitive to fine-touch pressure than the glans of the [[uncircumcised ]] male[...]The most sensitive location on the circumcised penis is the [[circumcision scar ]] on the ventral surface [...] When compared to the most sensitive area of the [[circumcised ]] [[penis]], several locations on the [[uncircumcised ]] penis that are missing from the [[circumcised ]] [[penis ]] were significantly more sensitive."<ref name="FineTouchPressure"/>
[[Image:Sorrells_AAP.jpg|right|thumb|AAP skepticism that loss of foreskin could actually affect sex.]]
== AAP brushes off findings as inconclusive discards its former Circumcision Policy Statement == In the [[AAP]]'s 2012 Circumcision Task force report, the issues of sensitivity reduction were given obligatory mention but largely glossed over, and little space was devoted to the topic. The 2012 Task Force Report received [[American_Academy_of_Pediatrics#Criticism| overwhelmingly heavy critical comment]]. The purpose of the disastrous, now expired AAP 2012 report was to encourage neonatal non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] and [[third-party payment]] so little or nothing was said about the multiple functions of the [[foreskin]].<ref name="hill2013">{{REFdocument |title=Commentary on American Academy of Pediatrics 2012 Circumcision Policy Statement |url=https://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/commentary-on-american-academy-of-pediatrics-2012-circumcision-policy-statement.pdf |contribution= |last=Hill |first=George |publisher=[[Doctors Opposing Circumcision (D.O.C.)]] |format=PDF |date=2013-04-01 |accessdate=2022-04-02}}</ref> The failed 2012 AAP Circumcision Policy expired in 2017 and has not been re-affirmed or re-validated in any way. The AAP currently has ''no'' circumcision policy and does ''not'' recommend [[circumcision]] of boys.
At right is an easy-to-understand illustration of the Sorrells study <ref name="FineTouchPressure" /> showing the loss of tissues. Tissues show in color their relative sensitivity thresholds to light touch. sensitive tissue. On the infographic's opposite side: The AAP's expressed skepticism (quotes from their now expired 2012 Circumcision Taskforce task force report) on whether loss of all that erogenous tissue could really affect sexual enjoyment.
Arguably, claiming there's no evidence that circumcision diminishes sexual enjoyment is essentially implying the obverse: that it's perfectly safe and reasonable to assume that the human foreskin, despite evolving over millions of years, has no anatomical significance in sexual mechanics, and has zero relevance to sexual pleasure and satisfaction. That statement sounds immediately absurd, however.
García-Mesa et al. (2021) reported: "[s]timulation of genital
Meissner's corpuscles gives rise to sexual sensations."<ref name="garcía-mesa2021" />
==The circumcised penis==
The nerves and other structures mentioned in this article are largely missing on the [[circumcised]] [[penis]].
[[Intact]] men who elect to be [[circumcised]] frequently report very substantial loss of sensation after [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Acroposthion]]
* [[Gliding action]]
* [[Masturbation]]
* [[Pre-ejaculate]]
* [[Regret men]]
* [[Sexual effects of circumcision]]
* [[Sex with phimosis]]
* [[The Penis - Sex Education 101]]
{{LINKS}}
* {{REFbook
|last=Ball
|first=Peter
|init=
|author-link=Peter Ball
|year=2006
|title=A Survey of Subjective Foreskin Sensation in 600 Intact Men
|url=http://eknygos.lsmuni.lt/springer/59/177-188.pdf
|work=Bodily Integrity and the Politics of Circumcision
|editors=[[George C. Denniston]], [[Pia Grassivaro Gallo]], [[Frederick M. Hodges]], [[Marilyn Fayre Milos]], and [[Franco Viviani]]
|edition=First
|volume=
|chapter=Chapter 16
|pages=177-188
|location=
|publisher=Springer
|ISBN=9789048172252
|quote=I believe that many women and most circumcised men are totally unaware of the role that the foreskin plays in the enjoyment of sex.
|format=PDF
|accessdate=2022-02-23
|note=
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=http://www.circumstitions.com/tantra.html
|archived=
|title=The Tantric Intact Penis
|trans-title=
|language=
|last=Anonnymous
|first=
|author-link=
|publisher=Circumstitions
|website=
|date=
|accessdate=2022-01-08
|format=
|quote=
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=http://www.intactaus.org/information/functionsoftheforeskin/
|archived=
|title=Functions of the Foreskin
|trans-title=
|language=English
|last=Helard
|first=Lou
|author-link=
|publisher=Intact Australia
|website=
|date=2014-08-01
|accessdate=2020-05-29
|format=
|quote=
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://intactamerica.org/what-do-the-eyelids-lips-fingertips-the-intact-penis-have-in-common/
|title=What Do The Eyelids, Lips, Fingertips & The Intact Penis Have in Common?
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|publisher=Intact America
|date=2024-02-17
|accessdate=2024-02-18
}}
{{REF}}
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[Category:Penile function]]
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]]
[[Category:Sexuality]]
[[Category:Male sexuality]]
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[[Category:From IntactWiki]]
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