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[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]]
wikify urethra
== The protective and hygienic function of the foreskin ==
The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The foreskin protects the delicate [[glans]] of the [[penis]] and puts the [[urethra ]] at a distance from its environment, protecting it from foreign contaminants of all kinds while simultaneously shielding the penis from injury. It is a double fold of skin which offers two layers of protection to prevent [[keratinization]] and maintain sensitivity.
At birth, the [[foreskin]] is usually attached to the glans (head) of the penis by a [[synechia]], akin to how a fingernail is attached to a finger.<ref>{{REFjournal
}}</ref> The preputial cavity is sealed by the synechia so it cannot be infected.
In infancy, the foreskin's tubular neck (prepucial orifice) is often long and narrow while the sphincter muscle in the tip of the foreskin keeps its opening closed. This acts as an extension of the [[urethra]].<ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Hunter
|init=RH
}}</ref> They are also present in the eye lid and perform the same function in both places. They secrete the oils necessary to keep the glans surface soft, moist, smooth, warm, sensitive, and with a healthy glistening red or purple color. This moisturizer also maintains PH balance, and optimal cleanliness. This is required to keep the surface of the glans healthy and clean via the cleaning effects of mucous secretions. Again, this function is analogous to the eye lid. The glans penis is meant to be an internal organ covered and protected from the outside world.
In the genitally intact penis the [[urine]] stream flushes out the [[urethra ]] and foreskin of foreign microbes. In healthy individuals, [[urine]] is sterile and has a disinfectant quality. Researchers have demonstrated that the swirling action of [[urine]] as it rushes through the foreskin flushes it out effortlessly and naturally.<ref name="parkash-jeykumar1973">{{REFjournal
|last=Parkash
|init=S
}}</ref>
Though [[urine]] passes through the foreskin every day, the inner foreskin is remarkably free of urea — a by-product of liver metabolism that is secreted in [[urine]]. Studies demonstrate that washings from the foreskin are rich in fructose, acid phosphatase, and mucin, but never urea. It appears that the secretions of seminal vesicles, prostate, and urethral [[urethra]]l mucous glands, collectively or individually, keep the foreskin clear and clean as well.<ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Parkash
|init=S
Researchers have shown that premature foreskin retraction can expose the penis to hospital strains of ''Escherichia coli'' and can result in UTI.<ref>Winberg J ''et al''. The prepuce: A mistake of nature? ''Lancet'' 1989, pp.598-99.</ref> Hence the protective function of the foreskin is in the child's best interest, especially during chemically treated diaper wearing years where feces mixed with [[urine]] can not only contaminate the permanently exposed urinary meatus but also the [[amputation]] wound from the circumcision surgery itself.
It is important to note that women have a higher risk of UTI. This is because the shorter [[urethra ]] offers less protection via the immunological function of the [[urethra]]'s [[mucosa]]l lining. By the same observation we see that the tubular tip of the foreskin and its [[mucosa]]l lining act as an extension of the [[urethra]], hence providing more of that same protection via [[mucosa]] immunology and the adherence of antibacterial substances in breast milk. Understandably, removal of the foreskin destroys all this functionality.-->
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Smegma]]
* [[Transudation]]
{{LINKS}}
* {{REFweb
|url=http://www.intactaus.org/information/functionsoftheforeskin/
{{REF}}
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]][[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Parental information]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
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[[Category:From IntactWiki]]
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