530 



DISSECTION OF THE PELVIS. 



Fig. 183. 



Corpora cavernosa (fig. 181, r). These bodies form the bulk of the 

 penis, and are two dense cylindrical tubes of fibrous tissue, containing 

 erectile structure. Each is fixed behind by a pointed process, cms pern's, 

 to the upper part of the pubic arch for about an inch ; and blends with its 

 fellow in the body of the penis, after a distance of an inch and a half. 

 There is a slight swelling on the crus, called the bulb of the corpus caver- 

 nosum (Kobelt). 



Each corpus cavernosum is composed of a fibrous case with a cavernous 

 or trabecular structure inside, with vessels in the intervals of the spongy 

 mass. An incomplete median septum exists along the body of the penis. 



The fibrous case is a white, strong, elastic covering (tig. 182), from 

 half a line to a line in thickness. Along the middle of the penis a septal 

 process is sent inwards from it ; and numerous 

 other finer threads, the trabeculae of the spongy 

 structure, are connected with its inner surface. 



It is formed of white shining fibres which are 

 disposed in two layers, outer and inner. The 

 outer stratum (fig. 182, 6) is formed of longitu- 

 dinal fibres with close meshes. The inner stra- 

 tum (fig. 182, a) consists of circular fibres, with 

 a like plexiform disposition ; and the circular 

 fibres of each cavernous body meeting in the mid- 

 dle line give rise to the septum penis. Both 

 strata are inseparably united by communicating 

 bundles. 



The septal process (fig. 183) is placed verti- 

 cally along the body of the penis, and is thicker 

 and more perfect behind than in front. Near 

 the junction of the crura this partition divides the 

 inclosed cavity into two parts ; but as it reaches 

 forwards it becomes less strong, and is pierced by 

 elongated apertures, which give it the appearance 

 of a comb, from which the name septum pectini- 

 forme is derived. Through the intervals in the 

 septum the vessels in the corpora cavernosa com- 

 municate. It is formed by the circular fibres of 

 the fibrous case. 



The cavernous or trabecular structure is a net- 

 work of fine threads, which fills the interior or 

 the corpora cavernosa. Its processes are thinner 

 towards the centre than at the circumference ; 

 and the areolar spaces are larger in the middle 

 and at the fore part of the contained cavity, 



than at the circumference or in the crura of the penis. In addition to 

 white fibrous tissue, the trabeculae contain elastic fibres, and unstriated 

 muscular fibres (Miiller). The spongy structure may be demonstrated 

 by sections of the penis, after it has been distended with air and dried. 



Bloodvessels. The bloodvessels of the penis are large in size, and serve 

 to nourish as well as to minister to the function of the organ. Having 

 entered the cavernous mass, they ramify in the trabecular structure. 



The arteries of the corpora cavernosa are offsets of the pudic : the chief 

 branch (art. corp. cavernosi) enters at the crus, and runs forwards through 



PECTINIFORM SEPTUM OF THE 

 PENIS. 



a. Apertures in the partition. 



b. Separate fibrous processes 



like the teeth of a comb, 

 which are formed by the 

 circular fibres. 



