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Penis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy

Definition    Return to top

The penis is the male organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. The penis is located above the scrotum. It is made of spongy tissue and blood vessels.

The shaft of the penis surrounds the urethra and is connected to the pubic bone.

The foreskin covers the head (glans) of the penis. The foreskin is removed if the boy is circumcised.

Information    Return to top

During puberty, the penis lengthens. The ability to ejaculate begins around 12 to 14 years of age. Ejaculation is the release of sperm-containing fluid from the penis during an orgasm.

Conditions of the penis include:

See also:

References    Return to top

Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Wein AJ, ed. Campbell - Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

Update Date: 5/22/2008

Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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