As most men already know, the penis serves two main functions - in addition to its role as the male sex organ, it acts as a conduit to remove liquid waste from the body in the form of urine. The penis generally achieves its full size and sexual function in the early teenage years, at the onset of puberty. While it typically does its job without much conscious interference from its owner, understanding the anatomy of the penis and how it works is important. Men who are familiar with its inner workings and who care for the penile skin through proper hygiene, healthy lifestyle choices and the regular use of penis vitamins and minerals may be more likely to experience overall good health of the penis and enjoy optimum sexual function.

A top-down look at the anatomy of the penis

The penis consists of the following distinct parts:
• The glans (or head) is located at the tip of the penis. In men who are uncircumcised, the glans is covered by the mucosa, a pink, moist tissue that acts as a natural lubricant. Covering this is the foreskin, or prepuce, which protects the glans and provides additional lubrication during penetration. In circumcised men (those whose foreskin has been surgically removed), the mucosa is transformed into a dry layer of skin.

• The corpus spongiosum This spongy tissue, located within and running the length of the penis, fills with blood during an erection and keeps the urethra open, allowing semen to pass through at the time of ejaculation.

• The corpus cavernosum consists of two columns of tissue, similar to the corpus spongiosum, that run along the sides of the penis. On sexual stimulation of the penis, the nerves signal the blood vessels to fill these columns with blood, causing an erection to occur.

• The urethra is a tube-like structure that runs through the penis to the opening in the glans. Its functions include conducting urine from the bladder out of the body and allowing semen to pass from the testicles to the urethral opening at the end of the penis.

The entire penis is covered with layers of erogenous skin. This tissue protects the penis from environmental contaminants and injury, as well as playing an important role in sexual function. The penis skin is traced with a fine network of nervous tissue which signals the body to respond to sexual stimulation by engorging the penis, as well as directing the formation and release of seminal fluid.

Why proper penis care is important

When it comes to sexual performance, the skin, nerves and blood vessels of the penis all need to be in proper working order. However, drying of the penis skin, peripheral nerve injury (which often results from friction and rough handling), inadequate circulation and a variety of skin conditions can impair penis function.

In order to reduce the incidence of penis problems related to skin infections, poor circulation, drying of the penis skin, minor nerve damage and other typical issues that can affect men at an age, caring for the penis should be a part of every man’s personal hygiene routine.

Keeping the penis skin moist and well-nourished with the right combination of vitamins, disease-fighting antioxidants, natural hydrating agents and amino acids may help to prevent a wide range of minor penis problems that can affect sensitivity and cause premature aging. A specialized penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help to provide a softer, more supple look and feel to the penis skin, promote sensitivity, and boost the body’s disease fighting abilities. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet, keeping body weight to an appropriate level, and keeping the penis clean is recommended for overall penis health.