preputial

Preputial refers to the prepuce, the fold of skin that covers the glans penis in uncircumcised individuals. The term is also used for analogous structures in other animals, and in some contexts for the clitoral hood in females. The word derives from the Latin preputium, meaning foreskin.

Anatomy and variation: In humans, the prepuce forms a tubular sheath that extends from the glans along the penile shaft. The outer surface is skin while the inner surface is mucous membrane, and the preputial opening allows access to the glans. The preputial space is a potential cavity that can accumulate secretions such as smegma if not kept clean. The degree of retractability of the foreskin varies among individuals and can change with age.

Clinical relevance: Conditions affecting the prepuce include phimosis, a tight foreskin that cannot be retracted, and paraphimosis, where a retracted foreskin becomes stuck behind the glans, potentially compromising blood flow. Inflammation of the glans and foreskin is balanoposthitis. Hygiene, trauma, or scarring can influence preputial health. Circumcision or preputioplasty are surgical options for certain issues, while non-surgical management may involve topical medications or hygiene measures. In infants, the foreskin is typically non-retractile and gradually becomes retractable during childhood.

Non-human context: In many mammals, especially rodents, the preputial gland secretes pheromones and other substances used in territory marking and social communication. The gland is located in the preputial region and can play a role in reproductive behavior.