Nerves in the cavernous tissue of the glans penis: An immunohistochemical study using elderly donated cadavers

Abstract

IntroductionThe topographical anatomy of the composite nerve fibers in the human glans penis is poorly characterized. Therefore, histological methods were used to analyze nerves to the cavernous tissue at the distal end of the corpus spongiosum. MethodsImmunohistochemical techniques were used to detect S100, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide protein expressions in frontal or sagittal penile sections obtained from 20 donated, older male cadavers. ResultsAt or near the coronal sulcus at the dorsal midline, three to seven terminal branches of the unilateral dorsal nerve ran deeply or centrally along the distal dull end of the corpus cavernosum and entered the glans cavernous tissue. Once there, the nerve divided into thinner branches (neuronal nitric oxide synthase or tyrosine hydroxylase positive) and the major nerve section reached the surface skin of the glans. Several thin nerves took highly arduous paths, as evidenced in ventral subcutaneous tissue of the distal third of the penis. DiscussionHistological examination revealed a neurovascular bundle that penetrated the glans cavernous tissue toward the skin covering, with a rich nerve supply to the skin folds at and near the coronal sulcus.