MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Penis

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Penis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	Information References

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

Definition Return to top

The penis is the male organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. The penis is located above the scrotum. It is made of spongy tissue and blood vessels.

The shaft of the penis surrounds the urethra and is connected to the pubic bone.

The foreskin covers the head (glans) of the penis. The foreskin is removed if the boy is circumcised.

Information Return to top

During puberty, the penis lengthens. The ability to ejaculate begins around 12 to 14 years of age. Ejaculation is the release of sperm-containing fluid from the penis during an orgasm.

Conditions of the penis include:

Chordee -- downward curve of the penis
Epispadias -- urethra opening is on the top or side of the penis, rather than the tip
Hypospadias -- urethra opening is on the underside of the penis, rather than at the tip
Palmatus or webbed penis -- penis is enclosed by the scrotum
Peyronie's disease -- a curve during an erection

See also:

References Return to top

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Wein AJ. Campbell - Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

Update Date: 7/23/2007

Updated by: Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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