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The [[ridged band]] is a ring of deeply corrugated or ridged mucous membrane lining the tip of the prepuce. When the prepuce is retracted, the main part of the [[ridged band ]] lies across the top and sides of the shaft of the penis. On the underside of the penis, the ridged band merges into the [[frenulum ]] of the prepuce. [[Stretching ]] of the accordion-like ridged band triggers important sexual reflexes and erogenous sensation.

It is often assumed that the sole function of the foreskin is to protect the [[glans]]. Does recent research support this idea?

The foreskin does protect the [[glans]], but this is not its main function. The foreskin is designed, primarily, to provide light touch, reflex, and erogenous sensory functions. The ridged band is just as important, sexually, as the glans. The foreskin, therefore, does protect the glans but, more importantly, it is designed to protect its own, specialized, [[mucosa]]l surfaces by turning them inwards, towards the glans.

The [[foreskin ]] and the [[glans ]] have similar functions. Both are designed to trigger nerve impulses that lead to [[erection]] and ejaculation. The [[glans ]] detects deep pressure and movement. The [[foreskin ]] detects movement through the accordion-like action of the [[ridged band]]; in addition, the outer, true [[skin]] of the foreskin has an exquisite ability to detect light touch and pin-prick. The glans lacks these abilities because it relies on the covering foreskin to provide them.

The outside of the foreskin is sensitive to light touch. This sensitivity transmits important information on the general environment of the [[penis ]] to the brain. The inside layer of the foreskin, especially the [[ridged band]], transmits impulses to the spinal cord which, in turn, transmits impulses to the [[penis ]] and to the muscle responsible for ejaculation. This is a spinal reflex and, hence, the ridged band is reflexogenic as well as touch-sensitive. The main stimulus to reflex activity appears to be [[stretching ]] of the ridged band.

The ridged band, which is mucous membrane ([[mucosa]]), is joined directly to the true [[skin]] of the [[penis]]. The [[glans]], on the other hand, does not come in direct contact with true [[skin]]. This arrangement suggests that the [[ridged band ]] depends for stimulation on the tugging action of penile [[penile skin]] during intercourse. The glans is more independent of penile [[penile skin]], both functionally and physically.

The double-layered design of the [[foreskin ]] does indeed permit smooth penetration and a sliding action. The [[skin]] of the [[penis]], including the foreskin, becomes rougher during [[erection]]. This roughness is brought about by a mechanism similar to that which raises goosebumps. The extra frictional resistance brought about in this way reduces slippage of penile [[penile skin]] against [[Vagina| female tissues]]. The double-layering of the foreskin is designed to offset the frictional effect of erect penile [[penile skin]] and allow for easy vaginal penetration.{{SEEALSO}}* [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin]]{{LINKS}}* {{REFweb |url=http://www.intactaus.org/information/functionsoftheforeskin/ |title=Functions of the Foreskin |last=Helard |first=Lou |author-link= |publisher=Intact Australia |website= |date=2014-08-01 |accessdate=2022-10-05 |format= |quote=}}* {{REFweb |url=https://circumcision.org/functions-of-the-foreskin/ |title=Functions of the Foreskin |last=Goldman |first=Ronald |author-link=Ronald Goldman |publisher=Circumcision Resource Center |website=circumcision.org |date= |accessdate=2022-10-05 |format= |quote=}}