| penis, erection of the | When the penis fills with blood and is rigid. The penis contains two chambers, called the corpora cavernosa, which run the length of the organ, are filled with spongy tissue, and surrounded by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and ejaculate, runs along the underside of the corpora cavernosa. Erection begins with sensory and mental stimulation. Impulses from the brain and local nerves cause the muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax, allowing blood to flow in and fill the open spaces. The blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps to trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection. Erection is reversed when muscles in the penis contract, stopping the inflow of blood and opening outflow channels. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| penis femineus | An obsolete term for clitoris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| penis lunatus | 1. Painful erection of the penis in gonorrhoea or Peyronie's disease, with curvature resulting from lack of distensibility of the corpus cavernosum urethrae. Synonym: gryposis penis, penis lunatus. 2. Ventral curvature of the penis, most apparent on erection, as seen in hypospadias due to congenital shortness of the ventral skin and, on rare occasions, in patients with a normally situated meatus. Origin: Fr. Corded (05 Mar 2000) |
| penis muliebris | An obsolete term for clitoris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| penis palmatus | Deficient ventral penile shaft skin which is buried in scrotum or tethered to scrotal midline by a fold or web of skin. The urethra and erectile bodies are usually normal. Synonym: penis palmatus, penoscrotal transposition. (05 Mar 2000) |
| penis spines | Epithelial excrescences on the glans of the p. Of the guinea pig and cat; they are under the influence of the male hormone. Synonym: penis thorns. (05 Mar 2000) |
| penis thorns | Epithelial excrescences on the glans of the p. Of the guinea pig and cat; they are under the influence of the male hormone. Synonym: penis thorns. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gryposis penis | 1. Painful erection of the penis in gonorrhoea or Peyronie's disease, with curvature resulting from lack of distensibility of the corpus cavernosum urethrae. Synonym: gryposis penis, penis lunatus. 2. Ventral curvature of the penis, most apparent on erection, as seen in hypospadias due to congenital shortness of the ventral skin and, on rare occasions, in patients with a normally situated meatus. Origin: Fr. Corded (05 Mar 2000) |
| root of penis | The proximal attached part of the penis, including the two crura and the bulb. Synonym: radix penis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| clubbed penis | A deformity of the erect penis marked by a curve to one side or toward the scrotum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| webbed penis | Deficient ventral penile shaft skin which is buried in scrotum or tethered to scrotal midline by a fold or web of skin. The urethra and erectile bodies are usually normal. Synonym: penis palmatus, penoscrotal transposition. (05 Mar 2000) |
| collum glandis penis | A constriction behind the corona glandis of the penis. Synonym: collum glandis penis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| concealed penis | Usually a complication of circumcision wherein the anastomotic line between shaft skin and preputial collar closes like an iris or cicatrix over glans (some equate this to buried penis). (05 Mar 2000) |
| musculus erector penis | <anatomy, muscle> Origin, ramus of ischium; insertion, corpus cavernosum penis (or clitoridis); action, compresses the crus of the penis (or clitoris) forcing blood in its sinuses into the distal part of the corpus cavernosum; nerve supply, perineal. Synonym: musculus ischiocavernosus, musculus erector clitoridis, musculus erector penis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| corona of glans penis | The prominent posterior border of the glans penis. Synonym: corona glandis. (05 Mar 2000) |