INTEGUMENTS OF THE PENIS. 171 



which is very tender and dehcate for some distance from the 

 glans, forms that surface of the prepuce which is in contact 

 with the glans when it covers that body. 



There is also a small fold of the skin which is longitudinal in 

 its direction, that commences at the orifice of the urethra, and 

 extends backwards on the lower surface of the penis. It is 

 unvarying in its position, and is called Frenum. 



It is a general observation, that adeps is not found in the 

 cellular substance which connects the skin to the body of the 

 penis ; but this cellular substance is distended with water in 

 some hydropic cases. 



From the glands of Tyson, and from small follicles on each 

 side of the fraenum, is secreted an unctuous fluid, (^Smegma 

 preputii,) which when allowed to continue, becomes inspissa- 

 ted, and acquires a caseous consistence and color, as well as 

 a peculiar odor. It sometimes also acquires an acrimony which 

 produces inflammation on the surface with which it is in contact, 

 as well as the copious secretion of a puriform fluid. 



The distribution of the pudic artery in the penis has already 

 been mentioned ; and a farther account of its origin and pro- 

 gress to its destination, will be found in the general account of 

 the arteries. Sometimes small branches of the external pudic 

 arteries, which originate from the femoral, are extended to the 

 penis ; and it has been asserted, that branches of the middle 

 haemorrhoidal artery have also been found there, but this does 

 not often occur. 



The Veins of the penis are of two kinds ; those which origi- 

 nate in the corpora cavernosa, accompany the corresponding 

 branches of the pudic artery, but communicate more or less 

 with the plexus of veins on the lower and lateral part of the 

 bladder. There is also a great vein, which occupies the groove 

 on the back of the penis, between the corpora cavernosa, that 

 appears particularly appropriated to the corpus spongiosum 

 urethra ; for it originates in the glans penis, and receives 

 branches from the urethra as it proceeds backwards. There 

 are often two of these veins, one in the groove, and the other 

 more superficial: they generally unite near the root of the 



