Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

Anatomy

• The penis is the external male reproductive organ.
• It is composed of three parts: the root, shaft, and glans.
• The root is the portion that is attached to the abdomen.
• The shaft is the long, thin portion that is visible.
• The glans is the cone-shaped end of the penis, which is covered by the foreskin in uncircumcised males.

Functions

• The penis serves as the conduit for urine to exit the body.
• During sexual arousal, the penis becomes erect, allowing for sexual intercourse.
• Erection is caused by increased blood flow to the penis, which is stimulated by sexual thoughts or physical stimulation.

Development

• The penis forms during fetal development, around 9-12 weeks gestation.
• The penis continues to grow and develop throughout childhood and adolescence.
• The foreskin, a double-layered fold of skin and mucous membrane, covers the glans penis.

Health and Hygiene

• The penis should be washed regularly with soap and water to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection.
• Uncircumcised males should retract the foreskin to clean underneath.
• Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms, can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Common Issues

• Phimosis: a condition where the foreskin is too tight and cannot be retracted over the glans.
• Balanitis: inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by poor hygiene or STIs.
• Erectile dysfunction: the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, often caused by physical or psychological factors.

Anatomy

• The penis consists of three parts: the root (attached to the abdomen), shaft (long and thin), and glans (cone-shaped end covered by foreskin in uncircumcised males).
• The glans is covered by a double-layered fold of skin and mucous membrane called the foreskin.

Functions

• The penis functions as a urinary conduit, allowing urine to exit the body.
• During sexual arousal, the penis becomes erect due to increased blood flow, allowing for sexual intercourse.

Development

• The penis forms during fetal development between 9-12 weeks gestation.
• The penis grows and develops throughout childhood and adolescence.

Health and Hygiene

• Regular washing of the penis with soap and water is essential for cleanliness and preventing infection.
• Uncircumcised males should retract the foreskin to clean underneath.
• Practicing safe sex, including using condoms, can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Common Issues

• Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is too tight and cannot be retracted over the glans.
• Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by poor hygiene or STIs.
• Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, often caused by physical or psychological factors.