What anatomical structure is excised during a circumcision?

During a circumcision, the anatomical structure that is excised is the foreskin. The foreskin, or prepuce, is the fold of skin that covers the glans (the head) of the penis. Circumcision is performed for various medical, religious, or personal reasons and involves the surgical removal of this excess skin.

Understanding the specific anatomy involved is important in clinical practice. For instance, the glans penis is not removed during this procedure; instead, it remains exposed after the foreskin is excised. The scrotum and the penile shaft are also not involved in this procedure, making the foreskin the only correct choice. This distinction is crucial for evaluating the indications, risks, and outcomes associated with circumcision.