Which option correctly lists all components of the root of the penis?

Which option correctly lists all components of the root of the penis?

• A. Crura, bulb, ischiocavernosus m., bulbospongiosus m.
• B. Crura and bulb
• C. Crura only
• D. Bulbospongiosus m. and ischiocavernosus m.

Answer: (B)

The root of the penis is made up of two crura and the bulb. The crura are the proximal parts of the corpora cavernosa that attach to the ischiopubic rami, forming the dorsal side of the root. The bulb is the expanded proximal portion of the corpus spongiosum, located midline within the deep perineal region and continuing distally as the penile urethra. The surrounding muscles—the ischiocavernosus on the crura and the bulbospongiosus around the bulb—play important roles in function, but they are not structural components of the root itself. Therefore, the complete set of root components is crura and bulb.

The root of the penis is made up of two crura and the bulb. The crura are the proximal parts of the corpora cavernosa that attach to the ischiopubic rami, forming the dorsal side of the root. The bulb is the expanded proximal portion of the corpus spongiosum, located midline within the deep perineal region and continuing distally as the penile urethra. The surrounding muscles—the ischiocavernosus on the crura and the bulbospongiosus around the bulb—play important roles in function, but they are not structural components of the root itself. Therefore, the complete set of root components is crura and bulb.