Peyronie's Disease Society's Glossary of Terms

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	Glossary of Common Terms and Abbreviations Associated with Peyronie's Disease


AGE	Abreviation for: Advanced Glycation End products

Auto-immune	Abnormal response of the immune system that causes antibodies and other defenses of the body that normally attack invaders to attack the bodies own tissue.

Collagen	the main protein of connective tissue and the most abundant protein in our bodies. There are well over a dozen types of collagen and these types are the main component of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone, teeth, blood vessels, and skin. Collagen actually acts as a mesh scaffolding for our bodies and controls cell shape, determining the type of structure that is rebuilt. In Peyronie's Disease it is the relationship between type I and type III collagen that is problematic.

Corpus cavernosum	Two sponge like columns that extend from the base of the penis within the body up to the glans or head of the penis. This tissue gorges with arterial blood when the arterial walls are signaled to relax to increase blood flow into the penis. This results in a tissue expansion and an erection. See fig 1
Figure 1


Corpus spongiosum	A third much smaller column of spongy tissue that receives a small amount of blood during erection. It surrounds the urethra and runs the length of the underside of the penis ending with its end cap, the glans or head of the penis. The corpus spongiosum functions to prevent the urethra from collapsing during erection but contributes little to the erection itself. See Fig 1

ED	Abbreviation for erectile dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction	The inability to naturally obtain and retain an erection suitable for intercourse.

Fibrosis	the formation of collagen based scar tissue that can be spurred by injury or other factors.

PAV	An abbreviation for Pentox, Arginine, Viagra. This cocktail or trio of substances has recently been used as an oral treatment for PD with some promising results.

Plaque	the scar tissue that is formed during fibrosis. It is collagen based cross linked fibers that is absent the elastic properties of normal penile tissue. Once fibrosis is set in motion, plaque often over runs normal healthy tissue. This is not to be confused with arterial plaque which is a completely different condition.

TA	Abbreviation for: tunica albuginea

TGF-B1	Abbreviation for: Transforming Growth Factor - Beta 1

Traction Device	Also call a penis extender, this is a device usually associated with non-medical penis enlargement sites. They apply steady traction to the penis by a strap or a noose attached near the head of the penis and a base that pushes against body near the base of the penis. Several recognized urologist have begun to look at these devices as a possible treatment to correct curvature and restore lost length. Peliminary studies seem promising. These devices have become mainstream with patients many of whom have bought them independent of doctor recommendation.

Tunica albuginea	The whitish membrane within the penis that surrounds the spongy chambers (corpora cavernosa) in the penis and which helps to trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection of the penis. The term comes straight from the Latin tunica (covering or coat) + albuginea (white) = a covering that is white. (See Diagram above)

Urethra	It is the pathway that carries urine. In a male, it extends from the bladder to the opening at the end of the penis. Over much of its path it is also the common pathway for expelling semen during ejaculation.

Vacuum erection device	A plastic cylinder that is closed on one end and with some type of seal around the open end. The penis is inserted through the hole in the seal. The cylinder is press against the body and a vacuum is created with either a manual hand pump or a small battery operated pump. The vacuum draws blood into the penis causing an erection. A retaining band can be transferred from the VED to the penis to maintain the erection after the VED is removed. (the retaining band is usually not used for Peyronies Disease use)

VED	Abbreviation for a vacuum erection device

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