Urology>>>>>Anatomy & Embryology
Question 4#

Anatomy of the penis. Which one of the following is TRUE? 

A. The corpus spongiosum is attached to the inferior ischiopubic rami at the root of the penis
B. The cavernosal artery supplies the urethra, glans and spongiosum
C. Buck’s fascia is continuous with Colles’ fascia in the perineum
D. The cavernosal nerve provides sensory supply to the penile skin
E. The arcuate subpubic ligament helps to maintain the erect penis in an upright position

Correct Answer is E

Comment:

Answer E

The two corpora cavernosa originate as the crus penis from the inferior ischiopubic rami and perineal membrane in the superficial pouch. Their outer surfaces are covered by the ischicavernosus muscles. They come together below the pubic symphysis, separated by a midline septum and surrounded by the tunica albuginea. The corpus spongiosum lies underneath in a groove and contains the urethra. The proximal end is dilated to form the bulb of the penis, which originates from the centre of the perineal membrane, and is covered by the bulbospongiosus muscle. Distally, the spongiosum expands and caps the two corpora to form the glans penis, containing the external urethral meatus at its tip. The three bodies are further surrounded by a deeper Buck’s fascia, which merges proximally with the tunica albuginea, and a superficial dartos fascia, which merges with Colles’ fascia in the perineum. The suspensory ligament helps to maintain the erect penis in an upright position for coitus and has three components including, the superficial fundiform, suspensory ligament proper and the arcuate subpubic ligaments. The penis and urethra is supplied by the internal pudendal artery, which divides into three branches:

The skin and dorsal structures are supplied by the external pudendal artery, which runs in the dartos fascia and originates from the femoral artery.

The nerves supplying the penis include: