Ligamentous structures in human glans penis

Abstract

The corpus spongiosum reportedly occupies a larger proportion of the human glans penis than does the penile body, embedding the end of the corpus cavernosus (CC). However, anatomic descriptions about the fibrous structures of glans penis in the literature cause confusion during dissection and reconstructive surgery. Fortyfive penises of formalin-embalmed cadavers were dissected sagittally along the course of the distal urethra and observed macroscopically. Dense connective tissues adjacent to the fossa navicularis and spongiosum parts of the glans were cropped, and underwent Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff-Van-Gieson staining. Most (55.5%) of the specimens had distinct fibrous bands toward the distal tips of the glans penis, which elongated from the tunica albuginea of the CC. They comprised longitudinal collagen bundles continuous to the outer longitudinal layer of the tunica albuginea covering the CC and were intermingled with sparse elastic fibres. This architecture either did not reach the distal end of the glans penis (35.5% of cases), or was obscure or dispersed in all directions (9.0% of cases). The structural dimorphism and the variations in the ratio of dense connective tissue components of the fibrous skeleton are considered to contribute to the varying degrees of flexibility, distensibility and rigidity of the human glans penis.

Detailed Anatomy of the Corpora-Glans Ligament via the P45 Plastination Method

“…The fibers at the blind end of the ligament formed a circular obtuse fibrous structure with the septum of the sinus fibers in GP, which seems to provide a firm connection between the blind end of the ligament and the GP. This study was similar to previous studies (Shafik et al, 2004;Lee et al, 2019). Based on this result, it is speculated that the main function of the ligament may be to provide a strong connection between the distal end of GP and the two CC, especially during penile propulsion.…”

“…Only by accurately understanding the fibrous framework of penile erectile tissue can we understand the pathophysiology of human penis. Thus enhancing penile reconstructive techniques and ensuring better patient outcomes (Lee et al, 2019). Limited by the existing techniques, the observation of the overall distribution of corporo-glans ligaments within the penis has not been reported.…”

Glans cap-preserving dorsal inlay-free graft augmentation technique for reconstruction of meatal stenosis and fossa navicularis strictures: Analysis of short-term functional outcomes

“…The primary challenge has consistently revolved around the reconstruction of a near-normal caliber of the urethra while adhering to the physiological principles pertaining to the function of the meatus and fossa navicularis. [ 9 ] Any reconstruction procedure that involves splitting of the glans and repair of the FNS carries a risk of deformed glans and undesirable splaying of the stream of urine. Here, we discuss the merits of glans preservation surgery as a viable option for such scenarios.…”

“…The anatomy of the fossa navicularis region of the urethra reveals a fibrous septum that plays a crucial role in maintaining both the flexibility and rigidity of the glans penis during the sexual intercourse. [ 9 ] Moreover, the fibrous septum glandis serves as a control mechanism, functioning as a valve to regulate the flow of urine as it exits the urethra. [ 9 ] Consequently, the glans preservation technique presented here aims to reproduce the physiological outcomes of the fossa navicularis, while safeguarding the core structures of the glans penis.…”

The mystery of Jacob Henle's ‘septum glandis’

“…I read with great interest the article recently published in the Journal of Anatomy titled ‘Ligamentous structures in human glans penis’ (Lee et al. ). The authors have clearly documented the macroscopic and microscopic morphological features of a central ligamentous structure penetrating the human glans penis by the course of the fossa navicularis.…”