Difference between Penis and Hemipenis | Vertebrates

The upcoming discussion will update you about the difference between penis and hemipenis.

Difference # Penis:

1. A single intromittent organ which is found in the males of turtles, crocodiles, in some birds and mammals, called penis. In marsupials the penis is forked for the paired lateral vagina.

2. The penis is situated mid-ventrally in front of anal or cloacal opening.

3. The penis does not bear any rough or spinous region.

4. A sensitive muscular part at the tip of the penis, called glans penis.

5. In some groups of mammals (e.g., insectivores, bats, rodents, carnivores, primates except human beings) a bone is present with­in the connective tissue of the penis, called baculum or os penis, helps to stiffen the penis.

6. It bears a channel to ejaculate the sperm.

Difference # Hemipenis:

1. A pair of intromittent organs which are found in males of lizards and snakes, called hemipenis. Though they are paired, but single is used during copulation.

2. The hemipenis is situated at the back of the vent.

3. There is a rough or spinous region at the tip of hemipenis to secure engagement in copu­lation.

4. No glans penis at the tip of hemipenis.

5. No baculum or os penis in the hemipenis.

6. It is usually grooved for the transport of sperm into the cloaca of female.