Which arteries supply the male external genitalia?

The male external genitalia are supplied by branches of the internal pudendal artery, external pudendal artery, and testicular artery. The cremasteric artery (a. cremasterica) also supplies the scrotal coverings.

Which nerves innervate the male external genitalia?

Innervation is provided by branches of the pudendal, lumbar, sacral, and hypogastric plexuses. The ilioinguinal nerve (n. ilioinguinalis) innervates the skin of the scrotum. A branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh also contributes to the innervation of the perineal skin.

What forms the dartos tunic of the scrotum?

The dartos tunic (tunica dartos) is formed by subcutaneous tissue devoid of fat, containing smooth muscle fibers. It lies directly beneath the skin and forms the second layer of the scrotal and testicular coverings.

Where do the ducts of the bulbourethral glands open?

The ducts of these glands open into the spongy urethra.

What structure runs through the corpus spongiosum of the penis?

The male urethra (urethra masculina) runs through the center of the corpus spongiosum penis.

What structures are contained within the scrotum?

The scrotum contains the testes, epididymides, and the lower sections of the spermatic cords.

Home › Human Anatomy › Male External Genitalia

Male External Genitalia

Organa genitalia masculina externa

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The male external genitalia include the penis and the scrotum. The bulbourethral glands, which contribute to the liquid component of the ejaculate, are also traditionally included in this anatomical complex. These structures protect the testes and facilitate the excretion of seminal fluid.

Scrotal layersConsists of 7 anatomical layers (tunics)

Venous drainageDrains via the pampiniform plexus

Bulbourethral glandsSynthesize a mucous secretion

Penis (Penis)

Anatomically, the penis is divided into three main parts:

Root (radix penis) — the fixed proximal part.
Body (corpus penis) — the main pendulous part.
Glans (glans penis) — the distal expansion.

The core of the organ consists of three erectile structures. The paired corpora cavernosa (corpora cavernosa penis) are enclosed in a thick, dense fibrous sheath called the tunica albuginea corporum cavernosorum. Ventral to them lies the unpaired corpus spongiosum (corpus spongiosum penis), the defining feature of which is that the male urethra (urethra masculina) runs directly through its center.

Scrotum (Scrotum)

The scrotum is a specialized musculocutaneous pouch. It houses the testes, epididymides, and the lower portions of the spermatic cords. The internal space of the scrotum is divided into two halves by a septum — the septum scroti.

Layers of the scrotum (from superficial to deep):

Skin.
Dartos fascia (tunica dartos).
External spermatic fascia (fascia spermatica externa).
Cremasteric fascia.
Cremaster muscle (m. cremaster).
Internal spermatic fascia (fascia spermatica interna).
Tunica vaginalis testis.

Bulbourethral Glands (Glandulae bulbourethrales)

These are paired glandular structures embedded directly within the deep perineal pouch (urogenital diaphragm).

The excretory ducts of these glands course anteriorly and open into the spongy part of the urethra. The primary function of the bulbourethral glands is to secrete a specific mucus-rich pre-ejaculatory fluid.

Blood Supply and Innervation

Arterial supply to these structures is provided by branches of the internal pudendal artery (a. pudenda interna), testicular artery (a. testicularis), and other vessels. Venous blood drains through a dense network known as the pampiniform plexus (plexus pampiniformis).

Innervation of the external genitalia is supplied by branches of the hypogastric plexus (plexus hypogastricus) and the pudendal nerve (n. pudendus).

Mnemonic

To easily remember the main erectile bodies of the penis, use the "two plus one" rule: TWO corpora cavernosa (for rigidity, enclosed in the tunica albuginea) and ONE corpus spongiosum (to transmit the urethra).

Frequently asked questions

Which arteries supply the male external genitalia?: The male external genitalia are supplied by branches of the internal pudendal artery, external pudendal artery, and testicular artery. The cremasteric artery (a. cremasterica) also supplies the scrotal coverings.
Which nerves innervate the male external genitalia?: Innervation is provided by branches of the pudendal, lumbar, sacral, and hypogastric plexuses. The ilioinguinal nerve (n. ilioinguinalis) innervates the skin of the scrotum. A branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh also contributes to the innervation of the perineal skin.
What forms the dartos tunic of the scrotum?: The dartos tunic (tunica dartos) is formed by subcutaneous tissue devoid of fat, containing smooth muscle fibers. It lies directly beneath the skin and forms the second layer of the scrotal and testicular coverings.
Where do the ducts of the bulbourethral glands open?: The ducts of these glands open into the spongy urethra.
What structure runs through the corpus spongiosum of the penis?: The male urethra (urethra masculina) runs through the center of the corpus spongiosum penis.
What structures are contained within the scrotum?: The scrotum contains the testes, epididymides, and the lower sections of the spermatic cords.

Go deeper

Topography and branching of the internal pudendal artery
Structure and function of the pampiniform plexus
Histological structure of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa
Anatomy of the urogenital diaphragm
Course and segments of the male urethra

Male External Genitalia

Penis (*Penis*)

Scrotum (*Scrotum*)

Bulbourethral Glands (*Glandulae bulbourethrales*)