Dorsal veins of the penis
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Through Anatomy, Blood vessel and Circulatory system
Superficial dorsal vein
The superficial dorsal vein of the penis belongs to the superficial drainage system. It is located within the superficial dartos fascia, a continuation of the Colles' fascia, on the dorsal surface of the penis and, in contrast to the deep dorsal vein, it lies outside the deeper Buck's fascia. It is formed by smaller superficial veins that merge on the dorsolateral aspect of the penis. It drains the prepuce and the skin of the shaft, and, running backward in the subcutaneous tissue, inclines to the right or left, and opens into the corresponding superficial external pudendal vein, a tributary of the great saphenous vein.
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Deep dorsal vein
The deep dorsal vein of the penis belongs to the intermediate drainage system of the penis, along with the circumflex veins and their emissary veins. It runs directly beneath the superficial dorsal vein, with a layer of connective tissue, the deep fascia of the penis, separating the two vessels. It receives oxygen-depleted blood from the glans and corpora cavernosa and courses backward in the middle line accompanied by the dorsal arteries on each side.
Near the root of the penis, it passes between the two parts of the suspensory ligament and then through an aperture between the arcuate pubic ligament and the transverse ligament of the pelvis, and divides into two branches, which enter the vesical and prostatic plexuses. From the prostatic plexus, the deoxygenated blood travels through the venal system until it arrives at the center of the circulatory system for resupply with oxygen in the lungs and recirculation through the left side of the heart.
The deep vein also communicates below the pubic symphysis with the internal pudendal vein.
Clinical significance
It is possible but rare for the superficial dorsal vein to rupture during intercourse, which presents in a manner similar to penile fracture.
The dorsal veins of the penis can be used for intravenous injections in rats.