Body of penis

Body of penis‏‎

The body of the penis (also known as the shaft) is the main part of the human penis. It is a long, cylindrical structure that extends from the pubic bone to the glans penis, and is primarily composed of three parts: the corpus cavernosum, the corpus spongiosum, and the penile urethra.

Anatomy

The body of the penis is primarily made up of three cylindrical bodies of erectile tissue. These are the two corpora cavernosa, which are located side by side, and the single corpus spongiosum, which contains the urethra and is located below the corpora cavernosa.

Corpus Cavernosum

The corpus cavernosum is one of the primary structures in the body of the penis. It is a sponge-like tissue that fills with blood during sexual arousal, causing an erection. The corpus cavernosum is surrounded by a membrane called the tunica albuginea, which helps to trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby maintaining the erection.

Corpus Spongiosum

The corpus spongiosum is the second main structure in the body of the penis. It is a mass of erectile tissue that surrounds the penile urethra. Like the corpus cavernosum, the corpus spongiosum also fills with blood during sexual arousal, but its primary function is to prevent the urethra from closing during an erection, thereby allowing for the passage of semen.

Penile Urethra

The penile urethra is the final major structure in the body of the penis. It is a tube that runs through the corpus spongiosum and allows for the passage of both urine and semen. The penile urethra is the final part of the male urinary system and the reproductive system.

Function

The primary function of the body of the penis is to facilitate sexual reproduction. During sexual arousal, the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum fill with blood, causing the penis to become erect. This erection allows for sexual intercourse and the subsequent potential for fertilization.

See also

• Erection
• Human penis
• Sexual intercourse
• Reproductive system

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