corpus spongiosum

Definition of corpus spongiosum

corpus spongiosum

(KOR-pus SPUN-jee-OH-sum)
A column of spongy tissue that runs through the shaft (body) and glans (head) of the penis. The corpus spongiosum surrounds the urethra (the tube through which urine and sperm pass from the body). It contains blood vessels that fill with blood to help make an erection and keep the urethra open during the erection.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms