Morphological study of the valve apparatus superficial venous system of the human penis

Abstract

Introduction. Available insufficient and contradictory data on the presence, structure and possible role of the valves of the penile veins determined the aim of the study.The study objective is the examination of the valve apparatus of the deep dorsal (DDV) and superficial dorsal veins (SDV) of the human penis.Materials and methods. The material was veins obtained at the autopsy by microdissection from the coronal sulcus to the base of the penis – 51 cases – and cross sections of cavernous bodies distal to the suspensory ligament – 103 cases – a total of 154 observations. Standard histological techniques were used. Staining with hematoxilin and eosin, fuchsin and picrofuchsin, Mallory staining were used.Results. Two branches of the DDV were identified in 7.8 % of observations, usually as a division of the main trunk. DDV valves were found in 92.2 % of the observations, with the frequency of occurrence immediately distal to the suspensory ligament being about 38 %. Perhaps the valves of this localization play the role of an osteal valve. Valves were detected in 75 % of the cases in the studied area of SDV. A total of 190 valve images were obtained and analyzed. The valves have a well developed roller, collagen and smooth muscle fibers of which are woven into the middle shell of the vein wall. The base of the valve roller has fibers located in intersecting planes, which strengthens it. The flaps of the valve are thin and consist mainly of collagen fibers. Valves of DDV and SDV have a similar structure. Valves are regularly found in the envelope veins, the perforant veins of the tunica albuginea, the veins of the subshell venous plexus, the paraurethral veins. All valves have a clear orientation, aimed at unilateral outflow of blood from the penis.Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the presence of a formed valvular apparatus in the veins of the human penis, which provides unidirectional venous outflow from the cavernous bodies, preventing retrograde blood flow. The findings add to existing knowledge about the structure of the valvular apparatus of the penile veins and its potential role in erectile function and dysfunction.