Clitoris: Anatomy, Location, Purpose & Conditions

Clitoris or clit is a part of the female reproductive organ. It is made up of more than 8000 to 9000 nerves (double the number of nerves in penis). It is one of the most sensitive female erogenous zones. It performs an important role in sexual stimulation and female orgasm.⁽²⁾ The entire clitoris is about 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 inches long. It’s usually about 2 1/2 inches wide. The glans, on the outside of the body, is only about 3/4 to an inch in diameter. ⁽²⁾

What is Clitoris?

Clitoris is look like a pea seed. It is located below the mons pubis, that is the fatty, cushion-like area in the female vulva, and above the urethra opening. It is present at the junction of the labia minora at the top. It is the highly sensitive part of women body as there is 8000+ nerve endings. If it stimulate in gentle manner, your vagina will be lubricating. and it has the power to aroused you fully just by the stimulation of 3 to 5 minutes. Clit can be stimulate through finger, tongue, mouths, penis, etc.

Read Also: Orgasm gap: What you need to know

Clitoris Structure

It appears like a button externally, however, it is actually a very complex structure of nerves and tissues. Only one – fourth part of clitoris is outside the body. It took humans many years to completely understand the anatomy and function of this part of the vulva. ⁽¹⁾

To understand this in an effective manner, we can divide clitoris into two parts: external and internal.

Externally, it is made up of the glans clit and the clitoral hood. The clitoral hood covers clitoris, and there are glans clitoris is extended at the top of the vulva, which has nerve endings. Apart from the glans clit, it is made up of erectile tissues.

Internally, clitoris looks like an upside-down Y. Clitoris is situated behind the glans. It consists of two columns of erectile tissue that are not divided, known as corpora. The two branches of Y are known as crura that surround the vaginal canal and urethra. Between the crura and vaginal walls there are vestibular bulbs. The bulbs double in size during sexual arousal. The root of clitoris is the area where the nerves of the clit come together. ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾

What function does it have?

Clitoris, not shaped like penis, is homologous to penis. It functions a lot like it. During sexual arousal, the blood comes to the clit and it swells up. That swelling pushes the vaginal wall leading to lubrication inside vagina and allows us to feel pleasure. ⁽⁵⁾

Clit plays a crucial role in orgasm too i.e. the stimulation of clitoris. 80 to 85% of women need clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm. It is also key to the vaginal orgasm. Few inches inside the vagina, there is a G spot that upon stimulation leads to orgasm. Some scientist says that it may be possible that vestibular bulbs meet the vaginal wall at this spot that indirectly leads to the stimulation of clitoris. ⁽⁵⁾

What are other conditions and disorders?

The following are the conditions and disorders that are related to clitoris.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in which clit resembles a small penis due to exposure to too many androgens in fetus.
Hormonal imbalances such as PCOS can also lead to an enlarged clitoris.
Clitoral adhesions in which the clitoral hood attaches to the clit cause pain in movement.
Pain from vulvar cancer
It necessitates the care of the clit if there is pain, itching, or soreness. ⁽²⁾

Clitoral health

It is crucial to maintain the overall health of the genital area to maintain a healthy clitoris. Some of the tips are as follows:

To keep clitoral health, the genital area should be kept clean by using warm water and mild soap.
Do not use the chemical products on your vulva.
It is also necessary to have regular pelvic checkups.
Using condoms and getting a checkup for STDs is also important. ⁽²⁾

Mystery of the organ

In the history of sexual anatomy, it is dismissed and misunderstood. The first comprehensive anatomical study of clitoris was led by O’Connell and published in 1998. A subsequent study in 2005 examined it under MRI. As its only function is to give sexual pleasure to women, it is considered taboo in society to have any discussion about it. Female sexual pleasure is considered shameful. This historical neglect has led to some major consequences for patients, surgeons, and society as a whole. ⁽³⁾

Understanding the clit completely helps to improve anatomy books, and to know about how female orgasm works. It also helps surgeons to carefully leave the crucial nerves safe while doing pelvic surgeries, gender affirmation procedures, and repair of the clit of women who have undergone female genital mutilation. ⁽³⁾

Myths and facts

Here are some myths that are related to the clit.

Myth: Clitoris is just a little hill
Fact: It is a complex organ that lies deep within the pelvic muscles.

Myth: Vaginal and clitoral orgasm are different.
Fact: Clitoral roots are attached to vaginal walls. Therefore, the vaginal stimulation is actually stimulation of clitoral that is made up of erectile tissues. ⁽⁷⁾

A note from kamarth

Clit is the most neglected part of the female reproductive system. It has only been a few years since the clear understanding of its anatomy. There is still more to know about its role and complex structure. It has an important role in sexual pleasure. A comprehensive understanding of its anatomy, function, healthy clitoris, open communication, and seeking medical treatment can play a vital role in improving female sexual health.

Some Additional Doubt

Question: What is clitoris?
Answer: It is a small sensitive fleshy part located above the urethra and below the mon pubis.

Question: Where is it located?
Answer: It is located at the junction of labia minora at the top above the urethra opening.

Question: Why is it important?
Answer: It plays a very important role in achieving female orgasm.

Question: Are there any disorders affecting it?
Answer: CAH, PCOS leads to enlarged clitoris. Moreover, infections such as yeast infection, herpes and vulvar cancer can adversely affect the clit.

Question: How to take care of it?
Answer: It is important to keep your genital organs clean, healthy diet and exercise to keep your clitoral health and maintain overall sexual health.

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