Retractor muscle of the penis explained

In some animals, the male penis possesses a muscle enabling retraction into the prepuce.

In particular animals

The retractor penis muscle occurs in marsupials and carnivorans, but it is absent in humans.[1] A stag's penis forms an S-shaped curve when it is not erect, and is retracted into its preputial sheath by the retractor penis muscle.[2]

In Tandonia, the retractor penis inserts at the boundary between the penis and epiphallus.[3]

In stallions, the retractor penis muscle is relatively underdeveloped.[4] The retractor muscle contracts to retract the penis into the sheath and relaxes to allow the penis to extend from the sheath.[5]

In bulls, protrusion is not affected much by erection, but more by relaxation of the retractor penis muscle and straightening of the sigmoid flexure.

Notes and References

  1. Bassett, E. Gertrude. "Observations on the retractor clitoridis and retractor penis muscles of mammals with special reference to the ewe." Journal of anatomy 95.Pt 1 (1961): 61.
  2. Book: Rue III. Leonard Lee . The Deer of North America. 2 March 2013. 2004-11-01. Globe Pequot. 9781592284658. 312.
  3. [File:PD-icon.svg|15px]
  4. Book: Sarkar, A.. Sexual Behaviour In Animals. Discovery Publishing House. 2003. 978-81-7141-746-9.
  5. Web site: The Stallion: Breeding Soundness Examination & Reproductive Anatomy. University of Wisconsin-Madison. 7 July 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070716140038/http://www.wisc.edu/ansci_repro/101equinelab/reproduction/stallion_exam.html. 2007-07-16.