Glans penis !

The glans is the rounded tip of the penis, where the urethra opens; it is very sensitive, with many nerve endings.

Official name: Glans of penis

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What it is

The cap at the end of the penis, the expanded end of the corpus spongiosum, with the urethral opening (meatus) at its tip; covered by the foreskin (prepuce) unless circumcised.

What it does

Very sensitive, with many nerve endings from the dorsal nerve.

Key facts

Where: Expanded distal end of the corpus spongiosum capping the corpora cavernosa; corona and neck behind; external urethral meatus at the tip; covered by the prepuce, tethered by the frenulum
Blood supply: Dorsal arteries of the penis (internal pudendal)
Nerve: Dorsal nerve of the penis (pudendal, S2–S4): dense sensory endings
Function: Main sensory area of sexual response; contains the navicular fossa; lymph to deep inguinal nodes; in hypospadias the meatus opens on the underside

Relations

Deep: Blunt ends of the corpora cavernosa, which it caps; inside it, the navicular fossa of the urethra
Behind: Corona and neck (coronal sulcus), where the shaft begins and the foreskin attaches
Superficial: Prepuce (foreskin), tied on the underside by the frenulum, which carries the frenular artery

How to find it

Inspected with the foreskin gently retracted and then returned: the meatus should be slit-like at the tip; position, size, discharge and lesions are noted.

On imaging

Mostly assessed by examination; imaging is seldom needed. On ultrasound it is tissue continuous with the corpus spongiosum. MRI, ideally with an induced erection, stages penile cancer, which usually starts on the glans or foreskin, by showing spread into the corpora. In priapism, Doppler ultrasound looks at the corpora cavernosa; the glans and spongiosum typically stay soft and are spared.

Common problems

Balanitis (inflammation), often with a tight foreskin (phimosis).
Hypospadias: the urethral opening on the underside, present from birth.
Penile cancer (rare).

How it is diagnosed

Examination; Doppler ultrasound when needed.

Treatment

Hygiene and creams; circumcision for a persistent phimosis; surgical correction of hypospadias in childhood.

Clinical notes

Dorsal penile nerve block at the base of the penis numbs the glans and most of the shaft for circumcision; the frenulum may need a separate injection on the underside
Circumcision removes the prepuce; bleeding from the frenular artery and meatal stenosis are among its complications

Anatomical variants

Hypospadias is one of the commonest congenital anomalies of the male genitals (often quoted at about 1 in 250 boys); most cases are distal, at the glans or corona
Epispadias (meatus on the upper surface) is rare and often part of bladder exstrophy

Development

Forms from the end of the genital tubercle; the urethra in the glans is the last part to close, which is why distal hypospadias is the most common type.

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Why is circumcision deferred in a boy with hypospadias?

The foreskin is used in the repair; in hypospadias the meatus opens on the underside, often with a hooded foreskin and a downward bend.

Which factors are linked with penile cancer of the glans, and where does it spread first?

Phimosis, poor hygiene and HPV; it is mostly squamous cell carcinoma and spreads first to the inguinal nodes.

Which nerve supplies the glans penis, and how is it numbed for circumcision?

The dorsal nerve of the penis; a dorsal penile nerve block at the base, with a separate injection for the frenulum if needed.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Its names

Official Latin (TA2): glans penis
Official Spanish (DeCS): Glande del pene
English (TA2): Glans of penis

Sources: Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Penis.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.