Finding Clitoris
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Finding Clitoris
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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.
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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
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By
Attia @ Planned Parenthood
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July 1, 2020, 3:41 p.m.
Apparently the clit turns you on, so where is it? I’ve seen pictures and read things but can never actually find it. Do I even have one?
The clitoris is a pretty awesome organ. It doesn’t have a central role in reproduction like the penis or vagina — it’s basically just there to make you feel good! The clitoris has thousands of nerve endings in it, which makes it super sensitive.
It can be a little tricky to find your clitoris, since it’s at the top of your vulva , tucked inside your inner labia , underneath its own protective hood. For some people the clitoris is easily visible and accessible, and for others it’s hidden under the clitoral hood – everyone’s vulva is unique. The clitoris can vary in size (it can be about as small as a pea or as big as a thumb), but only the tip of it comes outside the body where you can see it. When you’re aroused (turned on), your clitoris becomes stiff and swollen — just like a penis. If you’re having trouble finding it, things like looking at and touching your own vulva can help you figure out how your vulva is built, and what feels good.
Fun fact about the clitoris: while you can only see the very tip of it, it actually has a spongy shaft that stretches up to 5 inches inside your body!
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clit ,
clitoris ,
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