Clitoris

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ located within the female external genitalia and plays a central role in sexual pleasure. It is composed of erectile tissue and has several parts, including the glans (the visible portion), the body (shaft), and internal components like the crura and the bulbs. The clitoris is rich in nerve endings, making it one of the most sensitive parts of the human body.

Location

The clitoris is located at the top of the vulva, just above the vaginal and urethral openings, where the labia minora meet. The visible portion, called the glans, is often partially covered by the clitoral hood (prepuce). Internally, the clitoris extends into the pelvis, with its crura anchoring it to the pubic bone.

Structure and Anatomy

The clitoris is a complex structure composed of several parts, both external and internal, that contribute to its overall function. While its external portion is the most visible, much of the clitoris is internal. Below is a detailed description of its anatomy.

External Anatomy

Clitoral Glans

The glans is the most visible and external part of the clitoris. It is a small, rounded, and highly sensitive structure located at the top of the vulva, where the labia minora meet. The glans is the terminal part of the clitoral body and contains thousands of nerve endings, making it extremely responsive to touch and stimulation.
Size and Shape: The size of the clitoral glans can vary greatly between individuals, but it is typically around 5–10 millimeters in diameter. It is usually smooth and rounded in appearance.
Clitoral Hood (Prepuce): The glans is often partially covered by a fold of skin called the clitoral hood, or prepuce. The hood is comparable to the foreskin in males and serves to protect the sensitive glans from friction or irritation.

Clitoral Shaft (Body)

The clitoral shaft is the portion of the clitoris that lies beneath the clitoral hood and connects the glans to the internal structures. It is composed of two corpora cavernosa, cylindrical masses of erectile tissue that are capable of filling with blood during arousal.
Length: The shaft extends a few centimeters inward and is mostly covered by the clitoral hood, although it may be felt under the skin of the vulva.
Tunica Albuginea: Surrounding the shaft is a fibrous layer called the tunica albuginea, which provides structural integrity to the erectile tissue.

Internal Anatomy

Clitoral Crura

The crura (singular: crus) are the internal extensions of the clitoral shaft. These paired structures are composed of erectile tissue and extend laterally from the clitoral body, running along the pubic bones. The crura are anchored to the ischiopubic rami (parts of the pelvic bones), providing stability and support to the clitoris.
Shape and Structure: The crura are shaped like elongated tubes, with each crus measuring approximately 5–9 cm in length. They taper as they extend from the body of the clitoris, following the curvature of the pelvic bones.
Erectile Tissue: Like the clitoral shaft, the crura are made of corpora cavernosa, which become engorged with blood during sexual arousal. These structures contribute to the clitoris’ overall erectile function.

Bulb of the Vestibule

The bulb of the vestibule is a paired structure located on either side of the vaginal opening, beneath the labia minora. Though separate from the clitoral shaft and crura, the bulbs are considered part of the clitoral complex because they are composed of spongy erectile tissue that fills with blood during arousal.
Location: The bulbs lie lateral to the vaginal orifice, just beneath the skin of the vulva. They surround the vaginal opening and urethra and play a role in increasing the sensitivity and engorgement of the vulvar area.
Homology: The bulb of the vestibule is homologous to the corpus spongiosum of the penis in males.

Supporting Structures

Clitoral Hood (Prepuce)

The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoral glans. It is formed by the fusion of the labia minora at the top of the vulva and extends over the glans, retracting slightly during sexual arousal to expose more of the clitoris.
Protection: The hood shields the sensitive glans from direct contact with clothing and external elements, reducing irritation. It can be pulled back to reveal the glans more fully during sexual activity.

Labia Minora

The labia minora are thin folds of skin that form the inner lips of the vulva. They surround the clitoral shaft, crura, and bulbs, playing a role in the overall structure and sensitivity of the external genitalia. The labia minora converge at the top of the vulva to form the clitoral hood, further integrating with the clitoral anatomy.

Pubic Bone and Pelvic Attachment

The clitoral body is anchored to the pubic bone via the crura, which attach to the ischiopubic rami. This attachment provides structural support to the clitoris, keeping it stabilized within the pelvis during arousal and sexual activity.

Blood Supply

The clitoris receives a rich blood supply, essential for its erectile function and sensitivity.

Internal Pudendal Artery: The primary source of blood to the clitoris is the internal pudendal artery, which branches into the deep arteries of the clitoris. These arteries supply blood to the corpora cavernosa, facilitating their engorgement during arousal.
Vascular Spaces: The erectile tissue within the corpora cavernosa contains vascular spaces that fill with blood, causing the clitoris to become erect and sensitive to stimulation.
Venous Drainage: Blood is drained from the clitoris through the pudendal veins, allowing it to return to its non-aroused state after sexual stimulation subsides.

Nerve Supply

The clitoris is one of the most sensitive organs in the body, containing a high concentration of nerve endings that provide sensation.

Pudendal Nerve: The clitoris is primarily innervated by the pudendal nerve, which provides sensory and autonomic nerve fibers to the external genitalia. These nerves are responsible for the intense sensitivity of the clitoris, transmitting sensations of pleasure during sexual arousal and stimulation.
Sensory Receptors: The clitoral glans is densely packed with sensory receptors, making it highly responsive to touch, pressure, and vibration.

Tunica Albuginea

Surrounding the corpora cavernosa of the clitoris is the tunica albuginea, a tough, fibrous layer that provides structural integrity.

Function: The tunica albuginea helps maintain the shape and firmness of the clitoral shaft during erection by limiting the expansion of the erectile tissue. This ensures that the clitoris remains firm and stable during sexual arousal.

Homology with Male Genitalia

The clitoris is homologous to the penis in males, meaning that these structures share a common embryological origin.

Erectile Tissue Similarity: The clitoral corpora cavernosa are homologous to the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Both structures are composed of erectile tissue that fills with blood during arousal.
Glans and Shaft: The clitoral glans and shaft are homologous to the glans and shaft of the penis, though the clitoris is smaller and primarily serves as a sensory organ, unlike the penis, which also serves as a conduit for urine and semen.

Function

The clitoris is the primary organ involved in sexual arousal and pleasure in females. It has a highly specialized structure that facilitates its function, primarily through its sensitivity and its role in the sexual response. Below is a detailed breakdown of the functions of the clitoris:

Sensory Function and Pleasure

The primary function of the clitoris is to provide sexual pleasure due to its high concentration of nerve endings.

Concentration of Nerve Endings: The clitoris contains approximately 8,000 nerve endings, which is more than any other part of the human body. These nerve endings are primarily located in the clitoral glans, making it highly sensitive to touch and stimulation.
Transmission of Sensory Signals: When the clitoris is stimulated, these nerve endings transmit signals to the brain through the pudendal nerve, leading to sensations of sexual pleasure. The clitoral glans, being the most sensitive part, is particularly responsive to light touch and pressure.
Enhancement of Sexual Pleasure: Stimulation of the clitoris is essential for female sexual pleasure, as it enhances arousal and contributes to orgasm. The sensory receptors within the clitoral glans and body play a key role in amplifying sexual pleasure.

Erection and Engorgement

The clitoris plays a significant role in sexual arousal through erection and engorgement of its erectile tissue.

Erectile Tissue Engorgement: The clitoris, like the penis in males, has erectile tissue (the corpora cavernosa), which fills with blood during sexual arousal. The increased blood flow to the corpora cavernosa causes the clitoris to swell and become more sensitive to stimulation.
Clitoral Erection: During arousal, the clitoris becomes erect, making it more prominent and accessible to external stimuli. The deep arteries of the clitoris dilate, allowing blood to flow into the erectile tissue, leading to firmness and enlargement of the clitoral shaft and glans.
Increased Sensitivity: As the clitoris becomes engorged with blood, the sensitivity of the glans and surrounding areas increases. This heightened sensitivity is crucial for the arousal process and enhances the sensation of sexual pleasure.

Contribution to Orgasm

The clitoris plays a central role in orgasm, which is the peak of sexual pleasure.

Clitoral Orgasm: Orgasm in females is typically clitorally focused. Stimulation of the clitoral glans, shaft, or surrounding structures can lead to orgasm by triggering a series of muscular contractions in the pelvic floor muscles, which are often accompanied by intense pleasurable sensations.
Nerve Stimulation and Climax: The nerve endings in the clitoris send signals to the brain during sustained sexual stimulation, resulting in the rhythmic muscular contractions and the release of pleasure-inducing chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, which create the experience of orgasm.
Coordination with Other Structures: The clitoris works in conjunction with the bulb of the vestibule and the crura to enhance orgasmic sensations. The engorgement of these structures, along with the clitoris, contributes to the sensation of fullness and rhythmic contractions during orgasm.

Support of the Sexual Response Cycle

The clitoris plays a fundamental role in the sexual response cycle, particularly in the phases of excitement, plateau, and orgasm.

Excitement Phase: During the excitement phase, the clitoris becomes engorged with blood and erect. This prepares the body for sexual activity and increases sexual arousal.
Plateau Phase: In the plateau phase, the clitoris remains erect, and its sensitivity is heightened. The increased blood flow and tension in the erectile tissue contribute to maintaining arousal and preparing the body for orgasm.
Orgasm and Resolution: The clitoris is the key player in triggering orgasm through its sensory and erectile functions. After orgasm, the clitoris gradually returns to its pre-arousal state during the resolution phase as the blood drains from the erectile tissue.

Interaction with Surrounding Structures

The clitoris works in conjunction with surrounding anatomical structures, contributing to the overall function and sexual response of the female genitalia.

Interaction with the Labia Minora: The labia minora form part of the vulva and are located on either side of the clitoris. These structures help direct stimulation toward the clitoral glans and body during sexual arousal. As the labia minora engorge with blood, they enhance the sensory experience of clitoral stimulation.
Connection to the Vaginal Opening: Although the clitoris itself is not involved in penetration, its location near the vaginal opening allows for indirect stimulation during penetrative sexual activity. Pressure from the surrounding tissues during penetration can stimulate the internal structures of the clitoris, such as the crura and the bulb of the vestibule, adding to sexual pleasure.
Synergy with Pelvic Muscles: The muscles of the pelvic floor, including the bulbospongiosus muscle, work in concert with the clitoris during sexual arousal and orgasm. These muscles help trap blood within the erectile tissue of the clitoris, maintaining engorgement and contributing to the rhythmic contractions experienced during orgasm.

Supporting Sexual Health

The clitoris contributes to sexual health by providing pleasure and maintaining the physiological responses necessary for sexual satisfaction.

Psychological and Emotional Well-being: The clitoris is central to sexual pleasure, which can positively affect emotional and psychological well-being. Satisfying sexual experiences, often driven by clitoral stimulation, can promote feelings of intimacy, bonding, and emotional health.
Healthy Blood Flow: Regular sexual activity, including stimulation of the clitoris, supports healthy blood flow in the pelvic region, which is essential for maintaining the health of the clitoral tissue and surrounding structures.

Role in Female Sexual Anatomy

The clitoris is a key structure in female sexual anatomy and plays a role in defining sexual identity and function.

Sexual Identity: The clitoris is often associated with female sexual identity due to its primary role in sexual pleasure and the uniqueness of its function in the female reproductive system. Unlike the penis, which has both reproductive and urinary functions, the clitoris is exclusively dedicated to sexual sensation and pleasure.
Homology to the Penis: The clitoris shares a common embryological origin with the penis, and its erectile tissue, including the corpora cavernosa, serves similar functions in terms of erection and sexual arousal. This homology underscores the clitoris’s importance in the anatomy of sexual function.

Adaptation to Hormonal Changes

The clitoris is responsive to hormonal changes, particularly during different phases of life, such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Hormonal Influence: Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone influence the size and sensitivity of the clitoris. During puberty, the clitoris grows and becomes more sensitive due to increased hormone levels. Similarly, fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can affect the sensitivity and response of the clitoris.
Post-Menopausal Changes: After menopause, reduced estrogen levels can lead to changes in clitoral sensitivity and erectile function. However, sexual arousal and clitoral function can still be maintained, and sexual satisfaction continues to play an important role in health and well-being.

Clinical Significance

The clitoris plays a vital role in female sexual health and is central to sexual pleasure and arousal. Its clinical significance extends to several areas:

Sexual Dysfunction: Disorders affecting the clitoris, such as anorgasmia (inability to achieve orgasm) or hypoactive sexual desire disorder, can lead to difficulties with sexual satisfaction. Conditions that reduce clitoral sensitivity, such as nerve damage or poor blood flow, can affect sexual function.
Trauma or Injury: Injuries to the clitoris, whether from childbirth, surgery, or trauma, can lead to decreased sensitivity or chronic pain. Surgical procedures like clitoral reconstruction are sometimes required to restore function, particularly after female genital mutilation (FGM).
Clitoral Hypertrophy: Conditions like clitoromegaly, an abnormal enlargement of the clitoris, can result from hormonal imbalances or congenital issues and may require medical evaluation or intervention.
Menopause and Hormonal Changes: After menopause, hormonal changes can affect clitoral function and sensitivity, potentially leading to reduced sexual arousal. Hormone replacement therapies or other treatments can help address these changes.

Last updated on November 7, 2024