The Male Foreskin Contains High Nerve Endings | Sexual Intimacy Explained
By Dr. John Smith, PhD in Human Sexuality
Male circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves cutting off the penile foreskin, exposing the glans penis. Many studies suggest that removing the foreskin reduces sensation during sexual intercourse, but some researchers argue that this isn't necessarily true due to the presence of a significant amount of nerves inside the foreskin. Here is an explanation of how these nerves work.
Neurons are specialized cells in the body that receive, process, and transmit signals between the brain and muscles or organs. They send electrical impulses through a system of fibers called axons. Axons can branch out into smaller fiber bundles called dendrites, which connect them to other neurons. The part of a neuron where messages are transmitted is called the synapse. When a signal reaches the end of an axon, it releases chemicals called neurotransmitters that pass across the synapse to stimulate the next cell. This process continues until the message reaches its destination. Neurons have many different types of receptors that respond differently to various kinds of neurotransmitters.
Inside the male foreskin, there are more than 24,0000 Meissner corpuscle and Pacinian corpuscle neuromuscular endplates. These structures contain large numbers of free nerve endings (also known as afferent nerves). Afferent nerves carry information from the periphery to the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain. Afferent nerves are also found in hair follicles, the tip of the penis, fingertips, feet, lips, and tongue. Each Meissner corpuscle consists of a cluster of sensory nerve fibers surrounded by loose connective tissue. They detect light touch, vibration, temperature, pressure, and pain. A single Pacinian corpuscle has fewer fibers but can be activated by larger forces. It's not clear whether these two types of cells differ functionally within the foreskin.
Mechanoreceptors:
The most important type of mechanoreceptor in the foreskin is the Merkel disc, which is a small structure containing clusters of sensory cells that form part of the cutaneous touch receptors. Merkel cells are highly sensitive to movement and pressure. The skin contains other specialized cells called Langerhans cells that recognize foreign antigens. When stimulated, they trigger an immune response. There are also tactile corpuscles that respond to light touch or stroking.
Pain Receptors:
Pain-sensitive neurons are called nociceptors. Two main subtypes exist, C and A delta fibers, with different properties. Nociceptors in the foreskin transmit pain signals through the trigeminal nerve (which also controls facial muscles) and cervical spinal roots. Unlike touch receptors, they don't respond well to sustained pressure. Instead, they respond quickly to sudden, intense pressure. This type of pain doesn't last long because it triggers a reflex action.
You might notice a sharp pinching sensation when your finger accidentally hits something. Nociceptors send signals faster than touch receptors but fire more slowly afterward.
Heat Receptors:
Thermoreceptors detect heat using protein channels called TRPV1. They are activated by various substances like capsaicin (the molecule that makes chili peppers hot). Thermoreceptors can tell you if something is warm, cold, or burning. Some thermoreceptors only detect temperature differences above 30°C/86°F, while others work at cooler temperatures.
Male circumcision does not necessarily reduce penile sensitivity due to the high concentration of neuromuscular endplates in the foreskin. It may cause some minor reduction in sensation, particularly in those who have undergone forceful removal of the foreskin without anesthesia.
These cells are essential for sexual pleasure and intimacy.