Cardiovascular system · Pelvis · Male
Dorsal artery of penis !
The dorsal arteries of the penis run along its top surface under a fibrous layer; they supply the glans, the skin and the coverings of the penis.
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What it is
A pair of arteries along the top of the penis, under the deep fascia, between the deep dorsal vein and the dorsal nerves.
What it does
Supply the glans, the skin and the coverings of the penis.
Key facts
- Origin
- Terminal branch of the internal pudendal artery; passes through the deep pouch and beside the suspensory ligament to the dorsum of the penis
- Branches
- Circumflex branches to the corpus spongiosum; branches to the tunica albuginea, fascia, skin and glans
- Supplies
- Glans, penile coverings and skin; under Buck fascia between the deep dorsal vein (midline) and the dorsal nerve (lateral)
Relations
- Course
- Terminal branch of the internal pudendal artery: through the deep perineal pouch along the inferior pubic ramus, between the layers of the suspensory ligament, then along the dorsum to the glans penis
- Medial
- Deep dorsal vein, in the midline
- Lateral
- Dorsal nerve of the penis
- Superficial
- Buck fascia, then dartos with the superficial dorsal vein and skin
- Deep
- Tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa
How to find it
On Doppler ultrasound of the dorsum it is the small artery beside the deep dorsal vein, one on each side.
On imaging
Not seen on radiographs. Ultrasound shows the paired dorsal arteries under Buck fascia, one on each side of the deep dorsal vein. Penile duplex Doppler after an injected vasoactive drug studies erectile dysfunction, mainly through the cavernosal arteries. In high-flow priapism after trauma, Doppler shows the arterial leak, usually from a cavernosal artery.
Common problems
- Narrowing (atherosclerosis) can reduce blood flow to the penis and cause erectile dysfunction, or buttock pain on walking.
Treatment
- Branches are blocked (embolised) to stop severe bleeding from a pelvic fracture.
Clinical notes
- At risk in surgery on the dorsum of the penis (plaque incision for Peyronie disease, penile prosthesis, vein procedures), where the whole neurovascular bundle is lifted together
- A dorsal penile nerve block puts the needle into the same space under Buck fascia, so aspirating before injecting avoids giving the anaesthetic into the artery
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What is the order of structures on the dorsum of the penis from the midline outward?
Deep dorsal vein, dorsal artery, dorsal nerve, all under Buck fascia.
What does the dorsal artery of the penis supply?
The glans and, via circumflex branches, the corpus spongiosum, coverings and skin.
Which artery can be joined to the dorsal artery of the penis in penile revascularisation?
The inferior epigastric artery, in selected young men with arterial injury.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- arteria dorsalis penis
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Arteria dorsal del pene
- English (TA2)
- Dorsal artery of penis
Related
Sources: Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Penis.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
