Corpus spongiosum penis
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2008-04-10T06:32:08Z
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/* Anatomy */ added link to wikipedia stub for meatus, another term for the external urethral orifice
{{Infobox Anatomy |
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Caption = Transverse section of the penis. |
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Caption2 = The constituent cavernous cylinders of the penis. |
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'''Corpus spongiosum''' (Plural: Corpora Spongiosa) (also known as '''corpus cavernosum urethrae''' in older texts) is the mass of spongy [[biological tissue|tissue]] surrounding the male [[urethra]] within the [[penis]].
==Anatomy==
Behind, it is expanded to form the [[urethral bulb]], and lies in apposition with the [[inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm]], from which it receives a fibrous investment.
The urethra enters the bulb nearer to the upper than to the lower surface. On the latter there is a median sulcus (groove), from which a thin fibrous septum (wall) projects into the substance of the bulb and divides it imperfectly into two lateral lobes or hemispheres.
The portion of the corpus spongiosum in front of the bulb lies in a groove on the under surface of the conjoined corpora cavernosa penis. It is cylindrical in form and tapers slightly from behind forward. Its anterior end is expanded in the form of an obtuse cone, flattened from above downward. This expansion, termed the [[glans penis]], is moulded on the rounded ends of the [[corpora cavernosa penis]], extending farther on their upper than on their lower surfaces.
At the summit of the glans is the slit-like vertical [[external urethral orifice]], also known as the [[meatus]].
The circumference of the base of the glans forms a rounded projecting border, the [[corona glandis]], overhanging a deep retroglandular sulcus, behind which is the neck of the penis.
==Function==
The function of the corpus spongiosum in erection is to prevent the urethra from pinching closed, thereby maintaining the urethra as a viable channel for ejaculation. To do this, the corpus spongiosum remains pliable during erection while the corpora cavernosum penis becomes engorged with blood.
==See also==
* [[Corpus cavernosum penis]]
* [[Spongy urethra]]
{{Gray's}}
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Illu penis.jpg|Structure of the penis
Image:Gray588.png|The penis in transverse section, showing the bloodvessels.
Image:Gray1158.png|Diagram of the arteries of the [[penis]].
Image:Gray1156.png|Vertical section of bladder, penis, and urethra.
</gallery>
==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|44|06|02|04}} - "The Male Pelvis: The Urethra"
* {{eMedicineDictionary|corpus+spongiosum+penis}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|corpus+spongiosum+urethrae+muliebris}}
[[Category:Andrology]]
[[Category:Penis]]
{{Anatomy-stub}}
{{Male reproductive system}}
[[pt:Corpo esponjoso]]