[3][4] The glans penis is present in the male reproductive organs of humans and most other mammals where it may appear smooth, spiny, elongated or divided.

In humans, the glans is located over the distal ends of the corpora cavernosa and is a continuation of the corpus spongiosum of the penis.

It is the expanded cap of the corpus spongiosum,[10] a sponge-like region that surrounds the male urethra within the penis maintaining it as a viable channel for ejaculation.

[11] The glans is covered by a stratified squamous epithelium and a dense layer of connective tissue equivalent to the dermis of typical skin.

[12] The papillary layer of the dermis blends into the dense connective tissue forming the tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum behind the glans.

The increase of arterial flow during erection fills the erectile tissue with blood causing the glans to grow in size and sensitivity.

Some researchers have suggested that the glans has evolved to become acorn-, mushroom- or cone-shaped so that during copulation it acts to remove any semen still there from previous sex partners, but this is not supported when looking at primate relatives who have different mating behaviors.

[16][17] At the summit of the glans is the slit-like vertical external urethral orifice, called the urinary meatus, through which urine, semen and pre-ejaculatory fluid exit the penis.

The circumference of the base of the glans forms a rounded projecting border, the corona glandis, overhanging a deep retroglandular groove known as the coronal sulcus.

The frenulum is the highly vascularized elastic band of tissue located on the underside of the glans that connects the foreskin to the head of the penis.

[20] The rich innervation of the glans penis reveals its function as a primary anatomical source of male sexual pleasure.

[4][21][22] Yang & Bradley argue; "the distinct pattern of innervation of the glans emphasizes its role as a sensory structure".

Merkel nerve endings and Meissner's corpuscles (mechanoreceptors typically found in thick glabrous skin) are not present".

[25] Branches of the dorsal artery curve around each side of the distal shaft to enter the glans and the frenulum ventrally.

[30] The primary purpose of the foreskin is considered to be the covering of the glans and the urinary meatus,[31][32] while also maintaining the mucosa in a moist environment.

[37][38][39] The glans develops as the terminal end of a phallic structure, called the genital tubercle, which forms in the embryo regardless of sex during the early weeks of pregnancy.

[8][45] In the female fetus the absence of testosterone will stop the growth of the phallus causing the tubercle to shrink and form the clitoris.

In the male fetus the presence of a Y chromosome leads to the development of the testes, which secrete a large amount of hormones called androgens.

Birley et al. report that excessive washing with soap may dry the mucous membrane which covers the glans penis and cause non-specific dermatitis.

Careful identification of the cause with the aid of patient history, physical examination, swabs and cultures, and biopsy are essential in order to determine the proper treatment.

[48] The meatus (opening) of the urethra located at the tip of the glans might become subject to meatal stenosis, a condition mostly seen as a late complication of circumcision.

[60] In Thomasomys ucucha, the glans penis is rounded, short, and small and is superficially divided into left and right halves by a trough at the top and a ridge at the bottom.