The Penis

Question 1

What are the three sections of the penis (proximal to distal)

Answer 1

Root, Body and Glans

Question 2

Where is the root located

Answer 2

Superficial Perineal pouch of the pelvic floor

Question 3

What erectile tissues tissues does the root contain

Answer 3

left and right crura and bulb of the penis

Question 4

What muscles does the root contain

Answer 4

ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus

2 of each

Question 5

What are the 3 cylinders of erectile tissue which make up the body

Answer 5

two corpora cavernous and the corpus spongiosum

Question 6

What is the glans formed of

Answer 6

distal expansion of the corpus spongiosum.

Question 7

What is the function of the bulbospongiosus

Answer 7

It contracts to empty the spongy urethra of any residual semen and urine. The anterior fibres also aid in maintaining erection by increasing the pressure in the bulb of the penis.

Question 8

What is the function of the Ischiocavernosus

Answer 8

surrounds the left and right crura of the penis. It contracts to force blood from the cavernous spaces in the crura into the corpus cavernosa – this helps maintain erection.

Question 9

What facia cover the erectile tissues

Answer 9

Each mass of erectile tissue has two fascial coverings. The most superficial layer, immediately under the skin, is the external fascia of Colles (which is in continuity with the fascia of Scarpa which covers the abdominal wall).

A deeper stratum is the deep fascia of the penis (also known as Buck’s fascia). This is a continuation of the deep perineal fascia, and forms a strong membranous covering which holds all three erectile tissues together.

Underneath the deep fascia is the strong fascia called tunica albuginea, forming an individual capsule around each cavernous body and fused in the midline. The incomplete septum between the two corpora is comprised of tunica albuginea.

Question 10

Which two ligaments support the root of the penis

Answer 10

Suspensory ligament and the fungiform ligament

Question 11

What is the role of suspensory ligament

Answer 11

a condensation of deep fascia. It connects the erectile bodies of the penis to the pubic symphysis.

Question 12

What is the role of the fungiform ligament

Answer 12

a condensation of abdominal subcutaneous tissue. It runs down from the linea alba, surrounding the penis like a sling, and attaching to the pubic symphysis.

Question 13

What is the anatomical name for the foreskin

Answer 13

prepuce

Question 14

What is the name of the part of the prepuce that attaches the prepuce to the surface of the glans

Answer 14

frenulum

Question 15

What is the name of the potential space between the glans and the prepuce

Answer 15

the preputial sac

Question 16

What three arteries supply the penis

Answer 16

Dorsal arteries of the penis
Deep arteries of the penis
Bulbourethral artery

Question 17

From what artery do the the 3 arteries that supply the penis arise

Answer 17

internal pudendal artery

Question 18

From what artery does the internal pudendal artery arise

Answer 18

the anterior division of the internal iliac artery

Question 19

What veins drain the cavernous spaces

Answer 19

deep dorsal vein of the penis

Question 20

where does the deep dorsal vein of the penis empty

Answer 20

prostatic venous plexus.

Question 21

what veins drains the superficial structure is the penis such as the skin and cutaneous tissue

Answer 21

superficial dorsal veins

Question 22

What is the innervation of the penis

Answer 22

S2-S4 and spinal ganglia

Question 23

What nerve supplies sensory and sympathetic innervation to the skin and glans penis

Answer 23

dorsal nerve of the penis (a branch of the pudendal nerve)

Question 24

What is Phimosis

Answer 24

the prepuce fits tightly over the glans and cannot be retracted. This condition may be congenital, but may also arise later in life due to inflammation and contraction of the preputial skin. It may cause local irritation due to accumulation of smegma (oily secretions produced by the penile skin) or even predispose to infections.

The main disadvantage is the inability to apply local hygiene – untreated phimosis is even related to penile carcinoma.

Question 25

What is paraphimosis

Answer 25

an acute condition that occurs when a tight prepuce is left retracted under the glans: this may cause oedema of the soft prepuce and further strangulation occurs.

Question 26

What is ED

Answer 26

the inability to maintain an erection. It is a common condition, which may result from a number of causes, most commonly of a vascular aetiology (such as hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking or diabetes). Psychological causes include anxiety and depression.

Treatment is based on the aetiology. Most commonly used medications include PDE5 inhibitors, which inactivate the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5 at the corpora cavernosa level, relaxing the smooth muscle fibres of the corpora and the vessels. In this way, an improved arterial flow is achieved.

Question 27

What is priapism

Answer 27

a serious condition where erection persists beyond or without sexual stimulation. It is almost always painful and results from blood becoming trapped in the erectile bodies, with no arterial flow.

Priapism that persists for more than four hours is a medical emergency: if left untreated, it may lead to corporal scarring and permanent erectile dysfunction.