Differences between the glans and shaft of the penis: a review

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The penis serves as a vital receptor in men, playing a significant role in sexual intercourse. While there are discernible disparities between the glans penis and the penile shaft, a comprehensive and detailed analysis of these distinctions is currently lacking. Objectives This study aimed to review the existing literature on the variances between the glans penis and the penile shaft, providing a systematic examination of their anatomical and histological dissimilarities. Methods Our investigation encompassed a thorough search of the published literature, including original articles, reviews, letters to the editor, and case reports focused on the penis. We conducted a comprehensive review of the anatomical and histological dissimilarities between the glans penis and the penile shaft. Results The following key differences were identified. First, regarding innervation, the glans penis and the penile shaft possess distinct neural pathways. The glans penis exhibits a 3-dimensional structure, while the penile shaft exhibits a 2-dimensional distribution. Notably, the nerves of the penile shaft extend penetrating branches into the corpus cavernosum. Furthermore, there are variations in nerve-specific antibodies between the 2 regions. Second, regarding composition, the glans penis and the penile shaft consist of dissimilar cavernous bodies. The glans penis contains unique epithelial structures and receptors, setting it apart from the penile shaft. Third, regarding the veins, there are disparities in the venous systems of the glans penis and the penile shaft. Fourth, regarding biothesiometry, variances in biothesiometry research have been observed between the 2 regions. Conclusion There are differences between the glans and the shaft. To further advance our understanding, future research should delve deeper into the discrepancies between the glans penis and the penile shaft. Additionally, a more specialized subdivision of the glans penis and the penile shaft would facilitate more precise and tailored treatments.