Pavel Novotny

The glans penis (or simply glans) is the sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the penis. It is also commonly referred to as the "head" of the penis. Slang terms include "helmet", "nob" (or "knob"), and "bell end", and all refer to its distinctive shape. The glans penis is anatomically homologous to the glans clitoris of the female. When the penis is flaccid it is wholly or partially covered by the foreskin, except in men who have been circumcised. The foreskin serves to protect this delicate mucous membrane covered structure.

The meatus (opening) of the urethra is at the tip of the glans penis. In circumcised infants, the foreskin no longer protects the meatal area of the glans; consequently, when wearing diapers, there is a risk of developing meatitis, meatal ulceration, and meatal stenosis.

The epithelium of the glans penis is mucocutaneous tissue. Birley et al. report that excessive washing with soap may dry the mucous membrane that covers the glans penis and cause non-specific dermatitis.

Inflammation of the glans penis is known as balanitis. It occurs in 3–11% of males, and up to 35% of diabetic males. It has many causes, including irritation, or infection with a wide variety of pathogens. 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.