Decoding the Human Penile Gland: Understanding Sensitivity and Pain

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the anatomy and sensitivity of the human penile glans, particularly regarding the types of muscle fibers and nerve endings present. Participants explore the physiological aspects of sensitivity and pain in this area, with references to personal experiences and anatomical clarifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the types of muscle fibers that make up the human penile gland, citing a personal anecdote about extreme sensitivity to salt.
  • Another participant notes that the urethra, located just inside the meatus, is a mucous membrane and therefore sensitive.
  • It is mentioned that the penile glans has the highest concentration of nerve endings in the male body, contributing to its sensitivity.
  • A clarification is made that the glans penis is not a gland but rather the head of the penis, which is part of the corpus spongiosum muscle, and that pain sensation is related to skin innervation rather than muscle fibers.
  • Details are provided about the innervation of the glans penis, including the dorsal nerve and cavernous nerves, which are branches of the pudendal and prostatic plexus nerves, respectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology and anatomical classification of the glans penis, with some clarifying misconceptions while others focus on the sensitivity aspect. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific types of muscle fibers involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of anatomical terms and the relationship between muscle fibers and pain sensation, which are not fully explored or agreed upon.

yeeyee
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GeorginaS said:
Sting? Smart? Hurt? Or, yes, burn?


I made that question because [pppsssss MoonBear or any moderator, I am not talking dirt around here..[/size]] I'd like to understand what kinds of muscle fibers make up human penile gland. My neighbor once had some salt over it and he just yelled, screamt for hours. I am truthful!
 
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yeeyee said:
I made that question because [pppsssss MoonBear or any moderator, I am not talking dirt around here..[/size]] I'd like to understand what kinds of muscle fibers make up human penile gland. My neighbor once had some salt over it and he just yelled, screamt for hours. I am truthful!

Lol... the urethra, just inside the meatus (tip), is a mucous membrane, so it is sensitive.
 
The penile glans has the highest concentration of nerve endings in the male's body, so it is no wonder why it is so sensitive.
 
Okay, a few terminology issues to deal with first.

The glans penis is not a "gland." It is the head of the penis, which is a continuation of the corpus spongiosum muscle, and in uncircumcised men is covered by the prepuce (foreskin). However, the muscle has nothing to do with pain sensation on the external portion of the penis, as that is covered by skin.

There is indeed a high amount of innervation to that area, primarily from the dorsal nerve of the penis, which is a branch from the pudendal nerve. The rest of the penis also receives innervation from cavernous nerves of the penis (into the corpus cavernosum muscle) which are branches off of the prostatic plexus of nerves.
 

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