_P_, Internal part of prepuce or prepuce proper; _P′_, external part
of prepuce or sheath; _c.p._, preputial cavity; _F.g._, fossa
glandis; _D_, diverticulum of fossa glandis; _p.u._, processus
urethræ.
]
=Structure.=—The =external skin= of the prepuce resembles that of the
scrotum. The =inner layers= of skin are hairless, variable in color, and
often irregularly pigmented; they form irregular folds, and are supplied
with numerous large sebaceous glands and coil glands, which reach their
greatest size at the preputial ring. Beyond this the glands are absent,
and the skin resembles a non-glandular mucous membrane. The secretion of
the =preputial glands= (Glandulæ præputiales), together with desquamated
epithelial cells, forms the fatty =smegma præputii=, which has a strong
unpleasant odor, and often accumulates in considerable amount. Beneath
the skin is a large amount of loose connective tissue, except over the
glans penis, where the skin is closely attached to the tunic of the
corpus spongiosum. The external part of the prepuce is strengthened by a
layer of elastic tissue, derived from the abdominal tunic, and termed
the suspensory ligament.
=Vessels and Nerves.=—The =arteries= are branches of the =external pudic
artery=, and the =veins= go chiefly to the =external pudic vein=. The
=lymphatics= go to the superficial inguinal and lumbar lymph glands. The
=nerves= are derived from the =pudic=, =ilio-hypogastric=, and
=ilio-inguinal= nerves.