A Clit
⚡ ALL INFORMATION CLICK HERE 👈🏻👈🏻👈🏻
A Clit
Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved
Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She has experience in primary care and hospital medicine.
Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .
Medically reviewed by
Anita Sadaty, MD
Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical.
Learn about our
Medical Expert Board
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
How to Soothe the Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness From Menopause
The Anatomy and Function of the Penis
How the Male Reproductive System Works
The Skene's Glands Role in Urinary and Sexual Health
Things to Understand About Being Intersex
Is It Normal to Not Have a Vaginal Orgasm?
Urology and Sexual Anatomy Functions in Women
Care and Conditions of the Vaginal Introitus
Most people with MS have sexual side effects that can be treated.
Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved
Verywell Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
The clitoris is a part of the genitals found in people assigned female at birth that plays a key role in sexual stimulation and pleasure. Most of the clitoris is inside the body and not visible to the eye, but it has a small nub (the glans clitoris) that you can see.
The clitoris develops from the same structures in the human embryo as the penis does, and the two actually have many similar properties. 1 The clitoris is highly sensitive during arousal and stimulation.
This article discusses the clitoris, its location, and its structure and function. It also explains some health issues that can affect the clitoris.
Vulva is the umbrella term used to describe all of the external female genital organs. The vagina is an internal organ.
The parts of the vulva are located around the vagina. These organs include:
The clitoris is located at the point where the labia majora meet near the pubic bone .
The clitoris is attached to the labia, as well as structures called the pubic symphysis and the mons pubis (a pad of fatty tissue), by ligaments. They keep the clitoris in its bent position.
In gender-affirming surgery to construct a penis , these ligaments are released to allow the clitoris to straighten and increase in length.
The clitoris is a part of the genitals found in people assigned female at birth. It has a small external part you can see, called the glans clitoris, located where the labia majora (lips) meet near the pubic bone. The rest of the clitoris is made up of erectile tissue that's inside the body.
The parts of the clitoris you can see include:
The internal parts of the clitoris wrap around the urethra (the tube that allows urine to exit your body) and extend to the top of the vagina. These internal parts include:
The erectile function of clitoral tissue requires blood flow and the clitoris is well supplied with blood vessels. The body of the clitoris is covered by the tunica albuginea , a sheath of connective tissue.
Clitoral function also relies on a number of different nerves: the dorsal nerve, parts of the pudendal nerve , and the cavernous nerves. These nerves also supply the structures of the vagina, which may be part of the reason why stimulating the clitoris leads to sexual arousal.
There are differences in how the genitals develop in some people. These are called intersex conditions.
Some of these involve changes to the clitoris and how it looks at birth. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia , for example, may lead to a larger clitoris that looks more like a penis.
Surgeons have "corrected" these differences in the past. In recent years, there has been more pushback from intersex individuals and their families, as well as many doctors and researchers. Many now recommend postponing surgery until a person is old enough to decide for themselves.
The exception is in cases where these anatomical differences may make it difficult or impossible to urinate. That is a problem that needs to be corrected surgically for medical reasons.
Most of the clitoris is actually an internal structure, made up of erectile tissue. Its response to sexual stimulation relies on blood flow to the clitoris and the many nerves that support sensation. Some people may be born with an enlarged clitoris, which may indicate an intersex condition.
Unlike the penis, the clitoris does not have a direct role in reproduction. Its primary function is sexual arousal and pleasure during sex.
There is still some debate about the role of clitoral anatomy in sexual function and orgasm . The specific pathways for how the clitoris affects arousal and orgasm are not entirely understood.
In some people, the clitoris becomes slightly enlarged during sexual activity. When this happens it becomes even more sensitive.
Stimulation of the clitoris may also directly affect blood flow to the other genital organs, including the vaginal walls.
Many people need to have the clitoris stimulated to achieve or enhance an orgasm. 3
The clitoris is not involved in reproduction, but it plays a key role in sexual pleasure. Some have a hard time having an orgasm without it being stimulated.
Like most organs, there are health conditions that can affect the clitoris. Some are very mild and easy to treat. Others are more serious.
Some of the most common symptoms include: 4
Most conditions affecting the clitoris, including yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases , can be treated. Depending on the cause, a doctor may suggest antibiotics or creams to soothe irritation.
There are a few conditions that can directly affect the structure or health of the clitoris as well:
This is the name for a larger-than-typical clitoris.
It may not need to be treated in infants. However, when it arises in childhood, it is often due to neurofibromatosis , a disorder in which tumors form on nerve tissues. 5 This can be treated surgically, if needed.
Lichen sclerosus is a condition characterized by patches of white, thin skin.
It can, in rare cases, cause scarring of the genitals. In severe cases, the scar tissue may affect the function of the clitoris.
These can occur when the clitoral hood sticks to the glans and can no longer fully retract. Why this happens seems to vary and is not fully understood.
Risk factors appear to include genital injury, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, lichen sclerosus, and hormonal imbalances. 6
These adhesions can be mild to severe and may lead to clitoral pain. Minimally invasive surgery may be a treatment option.
Though rare, cancer that spreads from another site can cause lesions on the clitoris.
Scientists have reported such spread to the clitoris in cases of breast cancer , 7 cervical cancer , and endometrial cancer . 8
Most conditions affecting the clitoris, such as a yeast infection, are relatively easy to treat. Other changes in the clitoris may signal an underlying medical condition. Though rare, this may include cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body. If you have concerns, talk to your OB/GYN or other healthcare provider.
It's unlikely that you'll need any medical tests for issues involving the clitoris.
If there are changes in its size or shape, a biopsy may help to determine the cause. For some people at risk of a spreading cancer, imaging may be used too.
The one exception is when infants are born with clitoromegaly. Healthcare providers will often try to determine the cause of the enlarged clitoris. This may involve blood tests to check hormone levels, or genetic tests to look for different potential intersex conditions.
Understanding the cause may offer insight into a child's later expression of gender identity .
The clitoris plays a central role in sexual stimulation and pleasure in people who are assigned female at birth. Most of the clitoris resides inside the body, though there is a small external nub that you can see.
Health issues related to the clitoris are relatively rare and, in most cases, easily treated.
One of the more serious concerns is an enlarged clitoris at birth that may point to an intersex condition. Or, if the clitoris becomes enlarged later in children, it may be a sign of a genetic nervous system disorder called neurofibromatosis. This condition causes tumors and requires treatment. If you have concerns about how the clitoris looks or feels, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.
There is still much to learn about the erectile tissue of the clitoris and how its role connects with that of other structures of the pelvis.
Each person has their own level of sensitivity and preferences when it comes to stimulating the glans clitoris. It's best to try varying levels of pressure and techniques to find what works best for you.
The portions of the organ located inside the body that account for most of its size and contain all of its erectile tissue.
The glans clitoris (external clitoris) is located above the urethral opening at the junction of the labia minor (inner labia) and is covered by a retractable clitoral hood. The rest is internal and connects to the glans.
The length from the tip of the glans to the end of each crura is approximately 9 cm (4 inches). The external glans is about 2.5 cm (about 3/4 inch to 1 inch) and has a similar diameter.
Female circumcision is the removal of the clitoris to prevent a woman from feeling sexual pleasure. It is traditionally practiced in some African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries, and is often done when a girl reaches puberty. This is considered a type of female genital mutilation (FGM). Though illegal in many places today, it still continues in some countries. 9
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
There was an error. Please try again.
Baskin L, Shen J, Sinclair A, et al. Development of the human penis and clitoris . Differentiation . 2018;103:74-85. doi:10.1016/j.diff.2018.08.001
Pauls RN. Anatomy of the clitoris and the female sexual response . Clin Anat . 2015;28(3):376-84. doi:10.1002/ca.22524
Parada M, D'Amours T, Amsel R, Pink L, Gordon A, Binik YM. Clitorodynia: a descriptive study of clitoral pain . J Sex Med . 2015;12(8):1772-80. doi:doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12934
Yesodharan D, Sudarsanan B, Jojo A, et al. Plexiform neurofibroma of clitoris . J Pediatr Genet . 2017;6(4):244-246. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1602789
Julien V, Labadie M, Gauthier G, Ronger-savle S. Clitoral metastasis from ductal breast cancer revealing metastases in multiple sites and review of the literature . J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2012;16(1):66-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e3182293a2f
Filho AC, Garbeloto E, Santiago KC de SD, da Motta LL. Endometrial carcinoma metastatic to the clitoris: A case report . Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports . 2014;8:1-3. doi:10.1016/j.gynor.2013.12.002
World Health Organization. Female genital mutilation .
Katz VL. Reproductive anatomy: gross and microscopic, clinical correlations. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012.
There was an error. Please try again.
Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines .
Learn anatomy and histology faster
Unlock study units created by our experts
No contract, no payment required!
Register now
and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!
Author:
Rafael Vieira MD
•
Reviewer:
Jana Vasković MD
Last reviewed: July 06, 2022
Reading time: 8 minutes
The clitoris is an erectile tissue of the females, located at the junction of the inner lips of vulva and immediately above the external opening of the urethra . The clitoris is responsible for feeling sexual sensations upon stimulation, and in many women, its proper stimulation facilitates orgasm.
This article will discuss the anatomy of the clitoris, a female sex organ and most sensitive erogenous zone. Cultural perceptions of the clitoris have had significant impact on the research and knowledge about the clitoris in comparison with the penis, its male counterpart. Through this article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of the clitoris, namely its internal and external anatomy, blood supply, innervation, and function during sexual arousal.
The clitoris is an erectile structure, homologous to the male penis . It is located inferior to the mons pubis at the anterior end of the vulva where the two labia minora meet. Similar to the penis, it is composed of paired crura, a body and a glans.
Unlike its male counterpart however, the clitoris is not circumscribed by a foreskin nor is it perforated by the urethra (and, therefore, has no urinary role). Instead, urethra opens separately, just posteriorly to the clitoris. In addition, most (i.e. four-fifths) of the clitoris is internal; only its glans (measuring an average length of 5 to 8 mm) is externally positioned. This is why the clitoris is informally described as having two parts: the internal and external.
The clitoris arises as a pair of crura , two erectile structures which attach to the ischiopubic rami. Anteriorly, each crus converges to form the paired corpora cavernosa of the clitoris, which are collectively known as its body and are enclosed in a layer of dense fibrous connective tissue (known as the tunica albuginea). In females, the corpus spongiosum is represented as two bodies of erectile tissue in each of the labia minora, referred to as the bulbs of the vestibule or clitoral bulbs.
The clitoris is supported by the suspensory ligament of the clitoris, a fibrous band that connects the clitoris to the pubic symphysis .
At its distal extremity, the body, which is formed by the junction of both corpora cavernosa, is surmounted by the glans (head) of the clitoris, which is a small tubercle of erectile tissue that arises from the junction of the vestibular bulbs (mentioned below).
Externally, the glans is enclosed between the prepuce of the clitoris anteriorly and frenulum of the clitoris posteriorly, which are folds formed by the division of the anterior extremities of the labia minora.
The neurovascular bundle of the clitoris is located posterior to the corpora cavernosa, between the tunica albuginea and the clitoral fascia . Two dorsal arteries (branch of the internal pudendal artery ) supply blood to the fascia and skin over the clitoris. They each give off a branch known as the deep artery of clitoris , which supplies blood to the ipsilateral corpus cavernosum, engorging it during sexual arousal.
Paired dorsal veins of the clitoris are located centrally, medial to their arterial counterpart, and deep to an unpaired superficial vein of the clitoris . Finally, the most lateral structures of the neurovascular bundle are the dorsal nerves of the clitoris.
The dorsal nerve of clitoris is a terminal branch of the pudendal nerve , which travels along the dorsal surface of the clitoral body to the glans. Here, it terminates as a network of highly sensitive free nerve endings and other mechanoreceptors making it one of the densely innervated regions of the body. Like the arteries and the veins, it lies superficially located between the tunica albuginea and the clitoral fascia, and therefore some procedures (e.g. vulvoplasty) may risk injury to this nerve and affect clitoral sensation and sexual function.
During sexual arousal , the clitoris, along with the entire female genitalia, fills with blood. This is due to the ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscles contracting and compressing the clitoral veins while the arterial blood flow remains; this increased blood then fills the venous spaces in the corpora cavernosa of the clitoris, leading to its ingurgitation. As the clitoris is richly innervated by sensory fibers, stimulation of the clitoris (either direct physical stimulation or mental simulation) may lead to female orgasm .
The G-spot is an erogenous area of the vagina which may lead to strong sexual arousal and orgasms when physically stimulated. It is said to be located 5–8 cm (2–3 in) up in the anterior vaginal wall. However, its existence is subject of discussion and has not been proved.
Some researchers have found a greater concentration of nerve endings at the lower third of the vagina. However, evidence on this has been based on small sample sizes and therefore is often dismissed as anedoctal.
A stronger theory supports that the G-spot may be an extension of the clitoris, as the clitoral tissue extends into the anterior wall of the vagina. This is supported by the fact that vaginal orgasms (obtained through stimulation of the G-spot) and clitoral orgasms have the same stages of physical response.
Regardless of whether the G-spot is an individual structure or a simple extension of the clitoris, overly focusing on the G-spot as a source for sexual arousal and orgasm may be detrimental, and it is generally best to consider the clitoris, urethra, and vagina as one unit because they are intimately related.
Clitoris: want to learn more about it?
Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.
“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.”
–
Read more.
Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
Register now
and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!
Grounded on academic literature and research, validated by experts, and trusted by more than 2 million users.
Read more.
Copyright ©
2022
Kenhub.
All rights reserved.
Learning anatomy is a massive undertaking, and we're here to help you pass with flying colours.
Start learning in less than 60 seconds
An organ of the external genitalia of females whose function is to enable sexual pleasure.
Two crura of clitoris, each forming a corpus cavernosum, which converge to form the glans of the clitoris
Dorsal artery of clitoris, deep artery of clitoris Deep dorsal vein of clitoris, superficial dorsal vein of clitoris
36 sec Deliciouspussy1987 - 299.9k Views -
6 min Kristina Slut - 487.5k Views -
6 min Smarty-Kat 314 - 1.4M Views -
90 sec Marco Cidade - 585.4k Views -
6 min Mike Fuck Diary - 894.8k Views -
11 min Assphaltrunway - 970.8k Views -
15 min Princess Lilium - 1.2M Views -
5 min Quadsgoddess - 356.7k Views -
29 min Tastyhotgrillz - 23
Shemale Mobil
Pornos Maduras
Big Shemale Penis