Clitoris

The clitoris is a part of the female reproductive system located in the front of the external genitalia, at the meeting point of the two small inner lips (labia minora). It is the most sensitive part of the female body to touch and is filled with nerve endings and blood vessels.

Usually only the small head (glans) is visible, but the largest part of the clitoris lies inside the body. The clitoris develops from the same embryonic tissue as the male penis, meaning the two organs have homologous structures.

Internal anatomy

The clitoris consists of several parts: the glans (the visible head), the body (corpus), and two long legs (crura) that extend down under the pubic bone. There are also two bulbous structures on either side of the vaginal opening (bulbs). The internal parts are made of erectile tissue that fills with blood during arousal, causing the clitoris to swell and harden.

The head of the clitoris is covered by a hood (clitoral hood or prepuce) formed from the inner lips. The most important nerves for sensation are the dorsal nerves of the clitoris, which branch from the pudendal nerves.

Function

The known primary function of the clitoris is to provide sexual pleasure. Unlike the male penis, the clitoris plays no role in reproduction. Stimulation of the clitoris plays a major role in reaching the highest level of sexual pleasure (orgasm) for most women.

History of medical understanding

Although the clitoris appeared in anatomical texts in earlier centuries, its full internal structure was not described in detail until recent centuries. Modern imaging research has shown that the clitoris is much larger than previously thought, and that its internal parts extend around the vaginal opening.

Female genital modification

In some cultural practices, particularly in parts of East Africa, the visible part of the clitoris is removed or cut. Global health authorities consider this medically harmful and associate it with risks including bleeding, infection, and complications for reproduction and sexual function.