Organ
Corpus spongiosum
Erectile tissue surrounding the spongy urethra
High-yield
Bulb, shaft spongiosum and glans are continuous. The urethra runs through this compartment, not through the corpora cavernosa.
Overview
The corpus spongiosum runs along the ventral penis around the urethra. Its proximal expansion forms the bulb and its distal expansion forms the glans. It engorges during erection but remains at lower pressure than the corpora cavernosa, helping preserve the urethral passage.
Reference facts
- Location
- Ventral midline of the penile shaft, continuing from the perineal bulb to the glans.
- Parts
- Proximal bulb, intervening shaft and distal glans surrounding the spongy urethra.
- Blood supply
- Bulbar and urethral branches of the internal pudendal circulation, with distal contribution from dorsal penile arteries.
- Innervation
- Autonomic cavernous fibers influence erectile tissue; pudendal branches convey sensation.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Venous channels join internal pudendal and dorsal penile pathways; lymph follows regional inguinal and pelvic routes associated with the urethra and penis.
- Relations
- Bulbospongiosus covers its proximal expansion; deep penile fascia holds it alongside the cavernosal bodies.
- Function
- Supports the urethra during erection and works with surrounding muscles in expelling urethral contents.
Clinical correlation
Fibrosis of the tissue around the urethra can accompany anterior urethral stricture. In typical ischemic priapism, the cavernosal bodies are rigid while the glans and spongiosum are relatively soft.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the corpus spongiosum located?
The corpus spongiosum lies ventral midline of the penile shaft, continuing from the perineal bulb to the glans.
What does the corpus spongiosum do?
Supports the urethra during erection and works with surrounding muscles in expelling urethral contents.
What are the parts of the corpus spongiosum?
The parts of the corpus spongiosum are the proximal bulb, intervening shaft and distal glans surrounding the spongy urethra.
What is the blood supply of the corpus spongiosum?
The corpus spongiosum is supplied by the bulbar and urethral branches of the internal pudendal circulation, with distal contribution from dorsal penile arteries.