Glans Penis

The glans penis is the expanded, bulbous distal end of the corpus spongiosum and forms the head of the penis. It envelops the terminal ends of the paired corpora cavernosa dorsally and surrounds the terminal portion of the urethra ventrally. The glans plays an important role in sexual sensation, ejaculation, and protecting the external urethral meatus. It is highly vascularized, richly innervated, and covered by stratified squamous epithelium. The glans penis is the most sensitive portion of the external male genitalia and is homologous to the clitoris in females.

Structure

The glans penis is shaped like a dome or conical cap. It is formed by the distal expansion of the corpus spongiosum and fits over the tips of the corpora cavernosa. It includes several distinct anatomical landmarks such as the corona, neck, and external urethral meatus. The tissue is erectile but softer and more pliable than the corpora cavernosa.

• Shape: Conical, dome-like
• Surface: Smooth, non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in uncircumcised males
• Tissue type: Erectile tissue (distal corpus spongiosum)

Anatomical Parts

• Corona: Raised ridge at the base of the glans, overhanging the shaft
• Neck of the glans: Constriction between corona and shaft
• External urethral meatus: Slit-like terminal opening of the penile urethra on the ventral surface of the glans
• Prepuce (foreskin): Retractile fold of skin covering the glans in uncircumcised males

Histology

• Covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in uncircumcised males
• In circumcised males, epithelium becomes more keratinized
• Highly vascular subepithelial connective tissue with abundant sensory nerve endings

Location

The glans penis is located at the distal end of the penis. It is continuous proximally with the corpus spongiosum of the shaft and terminates distally at the external urethral meatus. It lies anterior to the corpora cavernosa and completely surrounds the urethral opening.

Function

• Sexual Sensation: Densely innervated; key role in sexual arousal and orgasm
• Urethral Protection: Protects the external urethral opening from trauma and infection
• Ejaculation and Micturition: Serves as the terminal segment of the urethra for both semen and urine discharge
• Homologous Structure: Equivalent to the clitoris in female anatomy

Blood Supply

• Arterial: Dorsal artery of the penis and branches of the deep artery of the penis (from internal pudendal artery)
• Venous: Deep dorsal vein → prostatic venous plexus → internal iliac vein

Lymphatic Drainage

• Superficial inguinal lymph nodes

Innervation

• Somatic: Dorsal nerve of the penis (branch of pudendal nerve, S2–S4)
• Specialized Endings: Contains Meissner’s corpuscles, free nerve endings, and Krause end bulbs

Embryological Origin

• Derived from the genital tubercle (ectodermal origin)
• Analogous to the glans clitoris in females

Clinical Significance

• Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans, often due to poor hygiene, infection, or diabetes
• Phimosis: Inability to retract the foreskin from the glans in uncircumcised males
• Paraphimosis: Entrapment of retracted foreskin behind the glans, leading to vascular compromise
• Peyronie’s Disease: Though affecting the shaft, altered glans position may contribute to curvature or pain
• Carcinoma of the Glans: Typically squamous cell carcinoma; more common in uncircumcised males