Praeputium

Praeputium, also known as the foreskin, is a fold of skin that covers the glans penis in males. It is a remnant of the embryonic urethral groove and serves several functions. Primarily, it protects the glans and the sensitive urethra from trauma and infection. It also plays a role in sexual arousal and stimulation, as it can be pulled back to expose the glans, which can increase sensitivity and pleasure. The praeputium is typically retractable, meaning it can be pulled back over the glans, but in some cases, it may be too tight or too loose, leading to conditions such as phimosis or paraphimosis. Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the praeputium, which is a common practice in many cultures and has been associated with various health benefits and risks. The praeputium is a normal anatomical structure, and its presence or absence does not affect a person's sexual function or health.