What is the medical term for the head of the penis?

Medical Term for the Head of Penis

The medical term for the head of the penis is the glans penis.

Anatomical Characteristics of the Glans Penis

The glans penis is a distinct anatomical structure with several important features:

• It forms the distal end of the penis, separated from the shaft by a prominent ridge called the corona of the glans penis 1
• The corona forms the border between the glans and the shaft, creating a junction area known as the coronal sulcus 1
• The glans is covered by stratified squamous epithelium and a dense layer of connective tissue equivalent to the dermis of typical skin 2
• The underlying tissue of the glans is continuous with the corpus spongiosum, which is covered by the tunica albuginea 2

Clinical Significance

The glans penis has several clinically important features:

Sensory Innervation

• The glans contains abundant free nerve endings (FNEs), making it highly sensitive 2
• The ratio of free nerve endings to corpuscular receptors is approximately 10:1 2
• Genital end bulbs are present throughout the glans but are most numerous in the corona and near the frenulum 2
• The glans has different sensory characteristics compared to the penile shaft, which has been documented in studies of penile sensitivity 3

Disease Susceptibility

• The glans and coronal sulcus are common sites for penile lesions, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) 1
• In the United States, approximately 34.5% of penile SCC cases have the primary lesion on the glans 4, 1
• The coronal sulcus area is one of the highest incidence areas for penile lesions 1

Anatomical Variations

• The glans contains fibrous structures that contribute to its mechanical properties during erection 5
• Most specimens (55.5%) have distinct fibrous bands extending from the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum toward the distal tips of the glans penis 5
• These structural variations contribute to differences in flexibility, distensibility, and rigidity of the glans 5

Clinical Examination

When examining the glans penis, clinicians should:

• Assess for any lesions, particularly in the coronal sulcus area
• Note that phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) may hinder proper inspection of the glans 4
• Remember that the glans is one of the areas of highest incidence for penile cancer, making thorough examination essential 4

Common Conditions Affecting the Glans

• Penile cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma
• Balanitis (inflammation of the glans)
• Phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin over the glans)
• Paraphimosis (foreskin trapped behind the glans)

Understanding the anatomy of the glans penis and its corona is essential for proper examination, diagnosis, and treatment of various penile conditions, particularly in the context of penile cancer screening.