Clitoris

Clitoris

Also known as: glans clitoridis, clitoral hood

An erectile organ — homologue of the penis — with a small visible glans and a larger internal body and crura; densely innervated, it is the principal organ of female sexual sensation.

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Overview

The clitoris consists of the glans at the anterior junction of the labia minora, covered by the prepuce (clitoral hood) and anchored by the frenulum; a short body formed by two fused corpora cavernosa within a fibrous sheath, which bends backward and is held by a suspensory ligament; and two crura, which diverge along the ischiopubic rami and are covered by ischiocavernosus. The bulbs of the vestibule lie closely related beside the vaginal orifice and engorge with it during arousal (together often called the clitoral complex). Unlike the penis it is not traversed by the urethra.

Its erectile tissue is supplied by the deep and dorsal arteries of the clitoris and engorges by the same nitric-oxide–cGMP mechanism as the penis. The dorsal nerve of the clitoris (pudendal) gives it a very dense sensory innervation.

Location: Anterior part of the vulva; glans at the anterior junction of the labia minora; crura along the ischiopubic rami in the superficial perineal pouch.

Parts & subdivisions

Glans
Densely innervated tip covered by the prepuce.
Body
Two fused corpora cavernosa.
Crura
Attached to the ischiopubic rami; covered by ischiocavernosus.

Anatomy

Innervation: Dorsal nerve of the clitoris (pudendal, S2–S4) — sensory; cavernous nerves (parasympathetic, S2–S4) from the uterovaginal plexus — engorgement.
Arterial supply: Deep and dorsal arteries of the clitoris (internal pudendal artery).
Venous drainage: Deep dorsal vein of the clitoris → vesical venous plexus; superficial veins → external pudendal veins.
Lymphatic drainage: Superficial and deep inguinal nodes; internal iliac nodes.
Development: Genital tubercle (homologue of the glans and corpora cavernosa of the penis).

Function

Sexual sensation and arousal; central to orgasm.

Clinical significance

Clitoromegaly

Enlargement from androgen excess — congenital adrenal hyperplasia in a newborn, androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumours, or anabolic steroid use — is a key sign of virilisation.

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Reproductive System sources. For education only; not medical advice.