Neuroanatomy of the penile portion of the human dorsal nerve of the penis

Abstract

Objective To determine the distribution of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP), the principal somatosensory nerve innervating the phallus, along the penile shaft and within the glans penis. Materials and methods The DNP was dissected in human autopsy specimens, using low magnification, following the course of the nerve from the symphysis pubis into the glans penis. Results The shaft and glans were innervated by separate populations of axons. The lateral and ventral portions of the penile shaft were innervated by branches arcading from the dorsal midline radiating toward the ventral surface. These branches were very variable and some were seen to penetrate the corpus spongiosum. The axons innervating the glans were constant in a dorsal, midline location along most of the penile shaft, and once within the glans, there was abundant branching. Undulations in the nerves were noted along the penile shaft. Conclusions The lateral arcading branches of the DNP provide a sensory pathway on the ventral and lateral penile shaft, and the termination of the fibres at the corpus spongiosum is consistent with pudendal innervation of the penile urethra. The distinct pattern of innervation of the glans emphasizes the role of the glans as a sensory structure. These findings may aid in planning penile surgical procedures.

The Feline Dorsal Nerve of the Penis Arises from the Deep Perineal Nerve and Not the Sensory Afferent Branch

“…The EAS branch (or inferior rectal nerve) was easily identified by noting ramifications disappearing into the EAS muscle. In all cats, blunt dissection showed the DPN running inferior to the ipsilateral inferior pubic ramus; in five cats, the dissection was continued distally to show the DPN giving rise to the DNP as it coursed along the dorsal surface of the penis beneath a thick fascia layer analogous to Buck's fascia in the human (Yang and Bradley, 1998c). For the cadaver in which the pubic symphysis was removed, the DPN was also observed sending a branch that innervated the external urethral sphincter (EUS) muscle (Fig.…”

Finite element modeling and in vivo analysis of electrode configurations for selective stimulation of pudendal afferent fibers

“…A previous experiment found that percutaneous, transcutaneous, and intraurethral stimulation (monopolar ring electrode) activated the DNP at 3-5 mA, 10-15 mA, and 15-25 mA, respectively [27]. Anatomical observations in humans and cats identified two populations of DNP axons [1,19,28], those travelling laterally on the penile body to the urethra and those travelling down the penile midline to the glans. If these populations play different roles in the inhibitory and excitatory bladder response to DNP stimulation, use of a 3-ring electrode configuration may be valuable for selective activation of the urethral fiber mediated reflex pathway.…”

Effects of glans penis augmentation using hyaluronic acid gel for premature ejaculation

“…The main trunk of DNP is composed of two different populations of axons. 16 The first group traveling along the dorsal midline and terminating in the glans. The other group of fibers radiated from the main trunk over the lateral and ventral aspects of the penile shaft with branches to the corpus spongiosum and urethra.…”

“…Genital bulbs are present throughout the glans, but are most numerous in the corona and near the frenulum. Considering the studies of Yang 16 and Halata, 17 injectable implants can be successfully injected into the dermis of glans penis just above the nerve terminal. In this study, injectable HA gel was easily injected into the dermis of glans and effectively decreased the sensory of glans penis.…”