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Glossary list with short definitions

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  • CAT II Q

    The CAT II Q™ (Constant Applied Tension, Quick) is a bi-directional, tapeless restoration device that creates tension on the foreskin by pushing against the glans, while pulling on a small fold of the foreskin.
  • CI - Coverage Index

    The Foreskin Coverage Index (C.I.) is a pictorial guide of flaccid and erect penises displaying varying amounts of foreskin.  These photos provide a standard reference useful in gauging foreskin coverage of the penis.
  • Circ - Circumcision

    Short for Circumcision
  • Circumcision

    The surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis. Also called Male Genital Mutilation (MGM).
  • Circumcision Scar

    The circumferential scar on the penis that indicates where the scalpel, clamp, or other cutting or crushing device cut off the foreskin.
  • Circumstraint

    Molded, plastic board with Velcro straps used to immobilize an infant while he is circumcised.
  • CIRP - Circumcision Information and Resource Pages

    The Circumcision Information and Resource Pages provides information about all aspects circumcision.
  • Corona

    The rounded edge along the widest part of the mushroom shaped structure called the glans penis.
  • Corpora Cavernosa

    The core of the penis consists primarily of three large sponge-like regions that become engorged with blood during an erection. The pair that form the sides and dorsal region of the penis shaft are each called the Corpus Cavernosum, or Corpora Cavernosa (plural). The third, similar structure is called the Corpus Spongiosum.
  • Corpus Spongiosum

    The spongy body running along the length of the penis, under the similar pair of Corpora Cavernosa. It becomes engorged with blood during an erection. Its distal end becomes the glans penis, while the proximal end is the bulb.
  • Cowper's Glands

    Two small glands lying on either side of the male urethra below the prostate.
  • Crura

    The corpora cavernosa stay together for the whole of the length of the visible penis and some of the portion inside the body. They diverge in two branches, called crura, for the attachment of the corpora cavernosa to the pelvis.
  • Cyclic Tension

    A type of non-surgical restoration of the foreskin where periods in which weight or tension is applied alternated with periods of rest.
  • Cyst

    A fluid-filled sac. In circumcised infants, cysts can form on the glans of the penis when exposed to abrasion and feces in a diaper.
  • Dartos Fascia

    The smooth muscle sheath which lies below the outer layer of skin.  The dartos fascia has involuntary muscle fibers that are temperature-sensitive. The skin of the scrotum contains these type of muscles, allowing it to contract or expand as needed to regulate the temperature of each testis. The outer layer of skin on the penis shaft and foreskin also has a dartos fascia.
  • Dekeratinizing

    The gradual regression of keratinization
  • Dermagraft

    According to the manufacturer, Dermagraft is "a cryopreserved human fibroblast-derived dermal substitute. It is composed of fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, and a bioabsorbable scaffold."
  • Desquamation

    The natural shedding of the cells of the outer surface of an organ.

  • Distal

    Further or furthest from the center (of the body); opposed to proximal.  On the penis, it would typically refer to the glans or meatus.
  • Dorsal

    The back or upper surface of a body, limb, or object; opposed to ventral. When discussing the penis, it refers to the top of the penis as seen from a standing position looking down.  (n.-Dorsum)