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Immunological and protective function of the foreskin

47 bytes added, 02:32, 20 October 2019
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The foreskin's inner fold and the glans of the penis are comprised of mucous membrane tissue. These are also present in your eyes, mouth, and all other bodily orifices including the female genitals. These are the first line of immunological defensive for the body's orifices. These mucous membranes perform many immunological and hygienic functions.
Certain components such as [[Langerhans cells]],<ref>Weiss GN, Sanders M, Westbrook KC. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16828878 The distribution and density of Langerhans cells in the human prepuce: site of diminished immune response? ] ''Isr J Med Sci'' 1993 Jan;29(1);42-3</ref> plasma cells,<ref name="flower1983" >Flower PJ, Ladds PW, Thomas AD, Watson DL. [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/030098588302000206 An immunopathologic study on the bovine prepuce]. ''Vet Pathol'' 1983 Mar;20(2):189-201.</ref> apocrine glands,<ref> Ahmed A, Jones AW. [https://www.academia.edu/5687437/APOCRINE_CYSTADENOMA_A_REPORT_OF_TWO_CASES_OCCURRING_ON_THE_PREPUCE Apocrine Cystadenoma: a report of two cases occurring on the prepuce]. ''Br J Dermatol'' 1969 Dec; 81(12):899-901.</ref> and sebaceous glands,<ref>Hyman AB, Brownstein MH. Tyson's "glands": ectopic sebaceous glands and papillomatosis penis. ''Arch Dermatol'' 1969 Jan;99(1):31-6</ref> <ref>Delbanco E. Über das gehäufte Aufreten von Talgdrusen an der Innerflähe des Präputium. ''Monatshefte für praktishe Dermatologie'' 1904; 38:536-8.</ref> <ref>Piccinno R, Carrel C-F, Menni S. ''et al''. sebacous glands mimicking molluscum contagiosum ''Acta Derm Venerol'' 1990;70:344-5.</ref> <ref>Krompecher St. Die Histologie der Absonderung fur Smegma Praeputi. ''Anatomischer Anzeiger'' 1932; 75:170-76.</ref>, collectively secrete emollient lubricants.<ref name="parkash-jeykumar1973" /> Apocrine glands perform a crucial function by secreting enzymes such as lysosomal enzymes, cathepsin B, chymotrypsin, and neutrophil elastase.<ref>Frohlich E Shamburg-Lever G, Klesses C. Immunelectron microscopic localization of cathepsin B in human apocrine glands. ''J Cutan Pathol'' 1993 Feb;20(1):54-60</ref>
There is also some research to suggest that lysozyme may protect against HIV infection.<ref>George Hill. [http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/hill1/ Summary of evidence that the foreskin and lysozyme may protect against HIV infection]. 7 September 2003.</ref>
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