What is the purpose of foreskin?

The foreskin refers to the wrinkled skin on the surface of the male reproductive organ and the penis. With age, the foreskin can completely cover the glans of the male genitals, which can prevent external bacteria. At the same time, the skin in the foreskin area is relatively soft and sensitive. It is a critical part of the body. At the same time, it can also cover the glans to avoid irritation, which is a relatively important part.

What is the purpose of foreskin?

The foreskin refers to the double layer of skin covering the glans penis. In infants and young children, the foreskin is longer and covers the penis, making the glans penis and the external opening of the urethra invisible. It is a physiological foreskin. With age, the penis and foreskin gradually develop. During puberty, the foreskin retracts and the glans penis is exposed in adulthood. However, in about 30% of adults, the foreskin completely covers the glans penis.

Physiological functions

Prevention function

Just as the eyelids protect the eyes, the foreskin protects the glans penis, keeping it soft, moist and sensitive. At the same time, it can also maintain a certain temperature of the glans penis, regulate the pH balance and have a cleansing effect.

Immune protection

All openings of the body are the first line of defense for the body's immune system. The glands of the foreskin secrete antibacterial and antiviral proteins, such as lysozyme, which is also found in tears and mother's milk. Specialized epithelial cells, such as Langerhans cells, are components of the immune system and are abundant in the outer surface of the foreskin. The plasma cells of the foreskin mucosa secrete immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that prevent infection.

The foreskin covers the glans penis and protects it. This function was more prominent in primitive humans. Primitive humans often had to hunt and were bitten by various mosquitoes in the mountains and forests. Since the glans penis is a sensitive and easily irritated part, the foreskin can make it easier for people to complete various activities. Modern humans no longer hunt and wear clothes to cover their genitals, which increases the protection of their genitals. As the result of human evolution over tens of millions of years, the foreskin's protective function cannot be ignored.

For a man, especially before the age of 7, the foreskin is relatively long, covering the entire glans penis and urethra. At around the age of 13, the foreskin and glans penis will separate on their own, and it will be easier to pull the foreskin behind the glans penis. With puberty, the penis grows in size, and the foreskin will retract, exposing the glans penis and urethra outside the foreskin.

If in adulthood, the foreskin opening is narrow, the foreskin is still adhered to the glans penis, and the foreskin cannot be turned up, exposing the urethral opening or glans penis, it is called phimosis in medicine.

If the foreskin can expose the glans penis, but the foreskin opening is very small and does not cover the external opening of the urethra, it is called foreskin is too long.

If there is hypospadias, the foreskin can be used to repair the urethra. As the child grows older, the foreskin can be used to protect the glans penis and urethra from accidental injuries.