Anatomical Discovery
A 78-year-old man's body, donated for science, revealed he had three penises, a condition known as triphallia, making it the second documented case in humans and the first in an adult.
The primary penis was externally visible, while two smaller penises were found internally. The urethra traversed the primary and one of the smaller penises, indicating a unique anatomical structure.
Medical Insights and Implications
Triphallia is believed to result from genetic mutations affecting androgen receptors during early development, potentially causing a triplication of the genital tubercle.
Despite the rarity and potential complications of triphallia, such as urinary obstruction or erectile dysfunction, the man's condition may have gone unnoticed during his life due to the lack of external abnormalities.