Frenulum

A frenulum /ˈfrɛnjʊləm/ or frenum /ˈfriːnəm/ is a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far.

Anatomy of the human mouth, including the frenulum of the tongue

Insect anatomy

Frenulum as a term in zoology is dealt with under wing coupling. The word frenulum also refers to a bristle present at the root of the hindwing of most moths which engages with a small hook or tuft on the forewing (the retinaculum) to join the wings together.

Human anatomy

There are several frenula in the body, including several in the mouth, some in the digestive tract, and some connected to the external genitalia.

Oral tissue

Frenula of the mouth are found under the tongue and inside the upper and lower lip. These can easily be torn by blows to the face or mouth. A torn frenulum is sometimes a warning sign of physical abuse.

Vulvular tissue

In the female, genital frenula can be found in the clitoris and where the labia minora meet at the back.

Penile tissue

The word frenulum on its own is often used for the frenulum preputii penis. This is an elastic band of tissue under the glans penis that connects to the prepuce, or foreskin to the vernal mucosa. It help contract the prepuce over the glans. It may be removed during circumcision.

It is possible for the frenulum of the penis to tear during sexual activity. This does not cause a great deal of pain but can cause an alarming amount of blood loss. This is not a medical emergency. The frenulum will heal by itself after the bleeding has stopped.

The name is latin: frēnulum, "little bridle", the diminutive of frēnum

Related pages

• Circumcision
• Foreskin
• Wing coupling