Dorsal artery of the penis

Dorsal artery of the penis
Transverse section of the penis. (Dorsal artery visible at top.)
The deeper branches of the internal pudendal artery. (Dorsal artery of penis labeled at upper right.)
Details
SourceInternal pudendal artery
VeinDeep dorsal vein of the penis
SuppliesPenis
Identifiers
Latinarteria dorsalis penis
TA98A12.2.15.044M
TA24354
FMA19795
Anatomical terminology

The dorsal artery of the penis is a bilaterally paired terminal branch of the internal pudendal artery which passes upon the dorsum of the penis to the base of the glans penis, where it unites with its contralateral partner and supply the glans and foreskin.

The dorsal artery of the penis provides blood supply to the skin and fascia of the penis (including the foreskin), and the erective tissues of the penis (especially the glans penis).

The dorsal artery of the penis may be damaged in traumatic amputation of the penis and repairing the dorsal artery surgically prevents skin loss, but it is not essential for sexual and urinary function. Its hemodynamics and blood pressure can be assessed to test for sexual impairment.