Neurobiology and neuroplasticity of the prepuce
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48193/kkhp7044Keywords:
Circumcision, foreskin, prepuce innervation, foreskin physiology, neuroplasticityAbstract
The male prepuce is the skin that covers and protects the glans. This structure has been underestimated, stigmatized and even ablated for non-medical reasons. The main aim of this review is to summarize existing literature on male prepuce neurobiology and secondary to it, to discuss the potential effect of circumcision and the associated axotomy on neuroplasticity and male urogenital physiology. It was found that the prepuce ontogeny and innervation include prenatal and postnatal development. Since its separation from the glans penis is androgen dependent, the physiological phimosis at birth is resolved during childhood and adolescence. In contrast to the glans penis, the prepuce is innervated by a dense network of corpuscular sensory receptors, specialized nerve endings that are essential for the perception of various tactile sensations, including light touch, pressure, vibration, and stretch. Thus, the foreskin is a specialized sensory tissue, with potential roles in sexual perception and modulation of genital reflexes. Its ablation may induce peripheral and central neural reorganization, but little is known about the neuroplasticity associated with genital nerve axotomy. Preclinical research will allow elucidating the mechanisms and their long-term implications, understanding these aspects is essential for interpreting clinical findings.
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