The Human Foreskin
Anatomy and Function
What is it?
The human foreskin (HuFo) is a specialized bi-layer tissue. If unfolded to lie flat, it would take up 14 square inches (90 square cm) and have a butterfly shape.
The Outer Foreskin
An essential continuation of the shaft skin, the outer foreskin protects the glans penis, retains sexual fluids, and maintains sensitivity.
The Inner Foreskin
The inner foreskin is smooth mucosal tissue packed with nerve endings, designed to stimulate the glans penis.
The Ridged Band
A primary erogenous zone, the ridged band stimulates the female inner labia and G-spot during intercourse.
The Frenulum
The frenulum tethers the ridged band to the glans penis and is highly innervated, ensuring proper blood flow and sensitivity.
Understanding Complexity and Shape
Far more than just a 'flap of skin', the foreskin is highly vascularized and innervated, serving several important biological functions including blood flow and sensation.
The unfolded foreskin's butterfly shape and bi-layer nature are clarified in the illustrations below. The sequence begins with a circumcised penis and unfolded foreskin and ends with an intact one, as designed by nature.
Nerve and blood vessel distribution
Foreskin structure breakdown
What does it do?
Protection
The foreskin fully covers the glans, protecting it from harsh rubbing against clothing and damage while maintaining sensitivity.
Sexual Activity
The foreskin maintains interactive contact with the sensitive glans during sexual activity and provides direct stimulation.
Lubrication
The mucous membrane of the foreskin provides an environment that lubricates the glans to enhance sensitivity.
Sexual Sensation
Much sexual pleasure is derived directly from the foreskin, as it contains the highest concentration of nerve endings on the penis.
Immune System
The foreskin secretes anti-microbial agents, including Langerhans cells, which can help destroy pathogens as well as keep the glans clean.
Skin Gliding
The foreskin facilitates the necessary gliding and expansion of skin on the penile shaft and glans, providing for natural sensations.
Why does it matter?
A Natural Fully Functioning Part of the Male Body
The foreskin is not a birth defect or accident. It is not expendable tissue with little or no function or benefits. The fully intact foreskin is nature's default setting and normal appearance.
Psychological and Emotional Wellbeing
Tens of thousands of men have disclosed personal stories about the psychological and emotional distress they suffer from having a vital part of their genitalia taken away.
Bodily Integrity and the Ethical Problem
Circumcision is the permanent, surgical removal of the foreskin. Bodily integrity is violated when a person's physical form is modified without their consent.
The Potential of Tissue Engineering
Foregen aims to fully regenerate the human foreskin and restore the biological structures, functions, and benefits lost to circumcision.
Learn More
Understanding the anatomy and function of the foreskin is the first step toward making informed decisions about circumcision.