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Development of the penis during the human fetal period (13 to 36 weeks after conception)

Carla B M Gallo1, Waldemar S Costa, Angelica Furriel

  • 1Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Journal of Urology
|June 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Human fetal penile development shows significant growth in corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum areas, particularly during the second trimester. Penile size and tunica albuginea thickness correlate strongly with fetal age.

Area of Science:

  • Embryology and Fetal Development
  • Human Anatomy
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Understanding fetal development is crucial for identifying potential congenital anomalies.
  • Normative data for penile structures during gestation are essential for clinical assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish normative growth patterns for penile structures during human fetal development.
  • To analyze the development of penile area, corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, and tunica albuginea thickness from 13 to 36 weeks of gestation.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 56 male human fetuses aged 13 to 36 weeks post-conception.
  • Histochemical and morphometric techniques were employed.
  • ImageJ software was used for quantitative analysis of penile dimensions and tunica albuginea thickness.

Main Results:

  • Penile area increased from 0.95 to 24.25 mm², corpora cavernosa from 0.28 to 9.12 mm², and corpus spongiosum from 0.14 to 3.99 mm².
  • Tunica albuginea thickness ranged from 0.029 to 0.296 mm (dorsal) and 0.014 to 0.113 mm (ventral).
  • Growth rates were higher in the second trimester (13-24 weeks) compared to the third trimester (25-36 weeks).

Conclusions:

  • Strong correlations exist between penile dimensions (total area, corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum) and fetal age.
  • Tunica albuginea thickness also shows a strong correlation with fetal age.
  • The dorsal region of the tunica albuginea is significantly thicker than the ventral region.
Abstract

Keywords:
MRIWPCfetusgrowthmagnetic resonance imagingpenisweek post conception

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