---

•	Encyclopedia Home
•	Special Topics A-Z
•	Read Spanish version

Images

Male reproductiv...

Read More

•

Scrotum

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

Penis

Definition

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

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:

• Chordee -- downward curve of the penis
• Epispadias -- urethra opening is on the top or side of the penis, rather than the tip
• Hypospadias -- urethra opening is on the underside of the penis, rather than at the tip
• Palmatus or webbed penis -- penis is enclosed by the scrotum
• Peyronie's disease -- a curve during an erection

• Ambiguous genitalia
• Penile prosthesis
• Priapism

References

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

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

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.