Further observations on the morphology and sensitive innervation of the retractor penis muscle in several species of ungulates
Bo Minelli, L.; Acone, F.; Zedda, M.; Sanna, L.
Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology 98(1): 13-21
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 1122-6714 PMID: 8343009 Document Number: 417948
The retractor penis muscle originates from the vertebrae in pigs, horses, cattle and goats; it arises from the rectum in sheep. In all the species considered, sensitive innervation was found. This was represented by encapsulated receptors. Nervous vegetative supply, made up of isolated or assembled ganglion cells, was also present. Among the numerous sensory nerve endings found in pigs, goats and sheep were Pacinian, Pacinian-like, Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles and Krause's end bulbs (genital corpuscles). Few Pacinian and Pacinian-like corpuscles were found in cattle and horses. A hypothesis on the probable functional role of the observed receptorial apparatus was formulated.