CHAPTER IV.
Surgical Anatomy.
It is essential for the Mohel to possess a knowledge of the structure of the organ on which he operates.
The skin of the penis is continuous on the upper surface with the skin of the abdomen, and on the under surface with that of the scrotum. On drawing forward the prepuce or foreskin it is very easy to include the skin of the scrotum in the grasp of the fingers unless due care is taken. If the traction on the foreskin is too forcible and the skin of the scrotum is therefore pulled up tightly, there is a danger of the scrotal skin being slit up to some extent. The intimate connection of the skin of the penis and scrotum must always be kept well in mind.
Under the foreskin and continuous with it at its free margin there is a membrane which rising from the neck or constriction below the glans envelops the latter entirely up to the opening of the urethra. Here it leaves the glans and joins the outer skin. The name given to this structure is mucous membrane, and the method of dealing with it constitutes the principal portion of the art of circumcision.
This mucous membrane is the whitish glistening structure which appears after the removal of the skin.
It is important to note the disposition of this mucous membrane, as revealed after the amputation of the prepuce.
1) It usually covers over the glans right up to the orifice of the urethra.