Glans Explained

The glans (^{[1] [2]} : glandes ; from the Latin word for "acorn")^[3] is a vascular structure located at the tip of the penis in male mammals or a homologous genital structure of the clitoris in female mammals.^[4]

Structure

The exterior structure of the glans consists of mucous membrane, which is usually covered by foreskin or clitoral hood in naturally developed genitalia. This covering, called the prepuce, is normally retractable in adulthood unless removed by circumcision.

The glans naturally joins with the frenulum of the penis or clitoris, as well as the inner labia in women, and the foreskin in men. In non-technical or sexual discussions, often the word "clitoris" refers to the external glans alone, excluding the clitoral hood, frenulum, and internal body of the clitoris.^[5] Similarly, phrases "tip" or "head" of the penis refers to the glans alone.^[6]

Sex differences in humans

In males, the glans is known as the glans penis, while in females the glans is known as the clitoral glans.

In females, the clitoris is above the urethra. The glans of the clitoris is the most highly innervated part of the external female genitalia.

In spotted hyenas, the female's pseudo-penis can be distinguished from the male's penis by its greater thickness and more rounded glans.^{[7] [8] [9] [10]} In both male and female spotted hyenas, the base of the glans is covered with penile spines.^{[11] [12] [13]}

Development

In the development of the urinary and reproductive organs, the glans is derived from the genital tubercle.

See also

• Glanuloplasty

References

Works cited

• Book: Carroll, Janell L. . Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity . Cengage Learning . 2012 . 978-1-111-83581-1.
• Book: Di Marino, Vincent . Anatomic Study of the Clitoris and the Bulbo-Clitoral Organ . Springer . 2014 . 978-3-319-04894-9.

Notes and References

1. OED 2nd edition, 1989.
2. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glans Entry "glans"
3. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glans "glans" at merriam-webster.com
4. Book: Drake, Richard Lee . Gray's anatomy for students. Vogl, Wayne,, Mitchell, Adam W. M.,, Gray, Henry, 1825-1861.. 15 November 2015. 9780702051319. Third. Philadelphia, PA. 881508489.
5. Puppo . Vincenzo . 2011 . Anatomy of the Clitoris: Revision and Clarifications about the Anatomical Terms for the Clitoris Proposed (without Scientific Bases) by Helen O'Connell, Emmanuele Jannini, and Odile Buisson . ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology . en . 2011 . 261464 . 10.5402/2011/261464 . 2090-4436 . 3175415 . 21941661 . free .
6. Web site: What are the parts of the male sexual anatomy? . Planned Parenthood.
7. Glickman SE, Cunha GR, Drea CM, Conley AJ and Place NJ. (2006). Mammalian sexual differentiation: lessons from the spotted hyena. Trends Endocrinol Metab 17:349–356.
8. Book: M. G. L. Mills. Gus Mills. Heribert Hofer. Hyaenas: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. 27 January 2013. 1998. IUCN. 978-2-8317-0442-5. 31–.
9. Book: Kevin Robert Theis. Scent Marking in a Highly Social Mammalian Species, the Spotted Hyena, Crocuta Crocuta. 27 January 2013. 2008. 978-1-109-03595-7. 25–. Michigan State University. Zoology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior .
10. Web site: The Truth About Hyaenas: debunking hyaena myths . dead . 2 May 2014 . https://archive.today/20130415002728/http://www.hyaenidae.org/hyena-myths.html . 15 April 2013 . dmy-all .
11. Book: R. F. Ewer. The Carnivores. 9 January 2013. 1973. Cornell University Press. 978-0-8014-8493-3.
12. Book: Richard Estes. The Behavior Guide to African Mammals: Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, Primates. registration. glans spines.. 9 January 2013. 1991. University of California Press. 978-0-520-08085-0.
13. Book: Catherine Blackledge. The Story of V: A Natural History of Female Sexuality. registration. glans spines hyena.. 9 January 2013. 2003. Rutgers University Press. 978-0-8135-3455-8.