Organ
Glans penis
The distal expansion of the corpus spongiosum
High-yield
The glans is spongiosal tissue with a rich sensory supply from dorsal penile nerve branches. It remains a different vascular compartment from the cavernosal bodies.
Overview
The glans forms the expanded end of the spongiosum over the distal corpora cavernosa. Its projecting rim is the corona, with a sulcus behind it. The urethra opens through the glans, while the prepuce, when present, forms a covering attached ventrally by the frenulum.
Reference facts
- Location
- At the distal penis, continuous with the corpus spongiosum and covering the cavernosal tips.
- Parts
- Includes the corona, urethral opening and surrounding glanular tissue; the distal urethra widens into the fossa navicularis within it.
- Blood supply
- Dorsal penile arterial branches communicate with the spongiosal circulation.
- Innervation
- Rich sensory innervation from branches of the dorsal nerve of the penis, a pudendal branch.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Venous networks communicate with the deep dorsal system; lymph reaches inguinal nodes and then pelvic chains, with regional variation.
- Relations
- Continuous with shaft spongiosum proximally; the prepuce folds over it and attaches at the ventral frenulum.
- Function
- Provides sensitive tissue involved in sexual response and surrounds the terminal urethral outlet.
Clinical correlation
A tight retracted prepuce can become trapped behind the corona in paraphimosis, impairing drainage and causing swelling. Penile cancer often affects the glans or prepuce; it is not confined to the coronal sulcus.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the glans penis located?
At the distal penis, continuous with the corpus spongiosum and covering the cavernosal tips.
What does the glans penis do?
Provides sensitive tissue involved in sexual response and surrounds the terminal urethral outlet.
What are the parts of the glans penis?
Includes the corona, urethral opening and surrounding glanular tissue; the distal urethra widens into the fossa navicularis within it.
What is the blood supply of the glans penis?
The glans penis is supplied by the dorsal penile arterial branches communicate with the spongiosal circulation.