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The clitoris, or clit, is an external part of the female anatomy, located at the top of the genitals (vulva). It is the most sensitive erogenous zone, with around 8,000 to 10,000 nerve endings, and is the primary source of female sexual pleasure. While the clitoris is commonly associated with the small, pea-sized nub that is visible externally, it is actually a much larger and more complex network of erectile tissue and nerves, with parts located inside and outside the body. The clitoris is made up of muscle, connective tissue, and regular tissue, and its internal structure is often compared to an upside-down wishbone or a Y-shape.
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What You'll Learn
Clitoris composition
The clitoris is a complex network of erectile tissue and nerves, with parts located inside and outside the body. The clitoris is homologous to the penis in males. The glans clitoris, commonly referred to as the clitoris, is the external part of the clitoris. The glans are usually the size and shape of a pea, although sizes vary. It is the most sensitive erogenous zone due to its high concentration of nerve endings, with estimates ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 or more sensory nerve endings.
The clitoris consists of the glans, the body, the prepuce, and the root. The body of the clitoris, located behind the glans, projects upwards into the pelvis and attaches via ligaments to the pubic bone. The clitoris splits in half from the body to form the paired crura, or "legs," which are the longest part of the clitoris. The crura form an upside-down "V" shape and are attached to the ischial rami, which extend from the corpora cavernosa beneath the descending pubic rami. The crura end with attachments in the middle of the pubic arch.
The vestibular bulbs are located between the crura and the vaginal wall. The bulbs and crura contain erectile tissue that swells with blood during sexual arousal, increasing lubrication and sexual stimulation. The clitoris, its bulbs, labia minora, and urethra involve two histologically distinct types of vascular tissue. The first type is trabeculated, erectile tissue innervated by cavernous nerves. This tissue has a spongy appearance and fills the large, dilated vascular spaces of the clitoris and bulbs. The second type is non-erectile, consisting of blood vessels dispersed within a fibrous matrix with minimal smooth muscle.
The clitoris is responsible for feeling sexual sensations upon stimulation, and its proper stimulation facilitates orgasm. Direct stimulation of the glans clitoris or clitoral hood is usually needed to reach orgasm. The clitoris can be stimulated directly, internally (through the vagina), and/or through stimulation of other parts of the vulva.
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Clitoral glans
The clitoris is the primary source of female sexual pleasure. It is the most sensitive erogenous zone, with over 15,000 nerve endings. The clitoris is a complex network of erectile tissue and nerves, with parts located inside and outside the body.
The clitoral glans, also known as the "head" or "tip", is the external part of the clitoris. It is usually the size and shape of a pea, although it can vary from person to person and can sometimes be much larger or smaller. The glans is located above the urethra, at the top of the clitoral body, and is separated from it by a ridge of tissue called the corona.
The clitoral glans is highly innervated, with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 sensory nerve endings, making it extremely sensitive to touch. It is the area of the clitoris with the most nerves, and it is the part that receives the most attention when it comes to sexual pleasure. The glans is filled with nerve endings that make it especially responsive to stimulation. Direct stimulation of the glans is usually needed for orgasm.
The clitoral glans is protected by the clitoral hood, a fold of skin that surrounds it. The clitoral hood is formed by the two sides of the connecting labia minora and can vary in size and degree of coverage. During sexual arousal, the clitoris and the rest of the vulva engorge and change colour as the erectile tissues fill with blood. The clitoral hood retracts, and the glans become more visible and accessible for direct stimulation.
Research conflicts on whether the glans is composed of erectile or non-erectile tissue. Some sources describe the glans as having glandular vascular spaces that are separated by more smooth muscle than in the clitoral body and crura. However, other sources state that the glans and labia minora are composed of non-erectile tissue, with blood vessels dispersed within a fibrous matrix and only a minimal amount of smooth muscle.
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Clitoral hood
The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that surrounds and protects the glans clitoris. The clitoris is the primary source of female sexual pleasure and has around 15,000 nerve endings, with 8,000 concentrated in the tip, known as the clitoral glans. The clitoral hood shields these nerve endings from injury, pain, and excessive stimulation.
The clitoral hood is located at the very top of the inner labia, where the inner lips meet. The inner lips form the outer hood, which can extend down past the outer lips. The clitoral hood varies widely in appearance from person to person. Some women have large clitoral hoods that completely cover the clitoral glans, while others have smaller hoods that do not cover the full length of the clitoral glans, leaving the clitoris exposed.
The clitoral hood can be retracted to expose the clitoral glans, for example, during hygiene routines or for pleasure. However, some women may have adhesions, which are sticky bands of tissue that form between the hood and the glans, preventing the hood from retracting. Adhesions can cause pain and interfere with sexual pleasure and orgasm. They can be prevented or resolved by diligent washing and soaking in a warm bath.
Some women may opt for clitoral hood reduction surgery to permanently expose part or all of the clitoral glans. This surgery removes excess folds of skin from the clitoral hood. While it is not medically necessary, it may help reduce discomfort from excess tissue and improve confidence in the appearance of the genitalia. However, there are risks associated with the procedure, including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, scarring, and urine retention.
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Clitoris and orgasms
The clitoris is the primary source of female sexual pleasure and orgasms. It is the most sensitive erogenous zone, with 8,000 to 10,000 nerve endings, and is capable of producing the most intense and pleasurable sexual responses in the body. The clitoris is a complex network of erectile tissue and nerves, with parts located inside and outside the body. The external part is a small bud located at the top of the vulva, hidden behind a clitoral hood. The internal part of the clitoris is shaped like an upside-down wishbone, with a clitoral body that branches out to form a "V" shape.
During sexual arousal, the clitoris and the rest of the vulva engorge and change colour as the erectile tissues fill with blood. This leads to clitoral erection and vaginal contractions. The clitoral glans, or the "head" or "tip", is highly sensitive to touch and is usually the size and shape of a pea. It is filled with nerve endings that make it especially responsive to stimulation.
Clitoral orgasms are described as shorter, more intense, and localized, mostly felt in the genital area. They can be achieved through various types of stimulation, including gentle rubbing with the fingers, palm, or tongue in a back-and-forth or circular motion. Direct stimulation of the glans clitoris or clitoral hood is usually needed to reach orgasm. Combining clitoral stimulation with vaginal stimulation is a common way to help someone squirt and can also lead to blended orgasms.
Vaginal orgasms, on the other hand, are said to be longer, deeper, and more intense, felt as a whole-body experience. They can be achieved through penetrative sex or by stimulating the G-spot, which recent research suggests may be part of the internal clitoral structure rather than a separate pleasure spot. Ultimately, clitoral and vaginal orgasms are both pleasurable, and the best type of stimulation varies from person to person.
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Clitoris and sexual pleasure
The clitoris is the primary source of female sexual pleasure. It is the most sensitive erogenous zone, with about 8,000 nerve endings, and possibly 10,000 or more. The clitoris is capable of producing the most intense and pleasurable sexual responses in the body. It is sensitive to all types of touch, including oral sex, fingers, sex toys, and a partner's genitals. Vaginal penetration with a penis, fingers, or a sex toy can also stimulate the clitoris through the vaginal wall.
The clitoris is located above the vaginal opening and urethra. The majority of the clitoris is internal, with only a small part extending outside the body. The external part of the clitoris is called the glans clitoris, or the "clitoris" in common usage. The glans clitoris is about the size of a pea and is located above the urethra. It is the area of the clitoris with the most nerves, making it extremely sensitive to touch. The clitoral hood, formed by the labia minora, may cover all, some, or none of the glans.
The clitoris is composed of erectile tissue and nerves, with parts located inside and outside the body. The erectile tissue fills with blood during sexual arousal, leading to clitoral erection. The clitoris has two legs called the crura, which extend from the clitoral body and form an upside-down "V" shape. The vestibular bulbs are located between the crura and the vaginal wall. The bulbs and crura contain erectile tissue that swells with blood during sexual arousal, increasing lubrication and sensitivity.
Stimulating the clitoris is essential for orgasm in 70% of women. About one in four women can reach orgasm without direct clitoral stimulation. Numerous emotional, psychological, and physical factors can affect whether a person orgasms, even with clitoral arousal. Female sexual dysfunction can impact sexual pleasure by affecting desire, arousal, and the ability to orgasm. Exploring one's clitoris and communicating what feels good to a partner can enhance sexual pleasure and prevent clitoral soreness during and after sex.
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Frequently asked questions
The clitoris is a small, sensitive organ that is part of the vulva, or the external female reproductive organs. It is the most sensitive erogenous zone and is capable of producing the most intense and pleasurable sexual responses in the body. The clitoris is made of regular tissue, connective tissue, and muscle.
On the outside, the clitoris looks like a small button-like area of flesh. However, it is a much larger network of tissues and nerves inside and outside the body. The part of the clitoris that extends outside the body is located at the top of the vulva. The clitoris is usually the size and shape of a pea, but this can vary from person to person.
The clitoris has one function: to enable you to experience sexual pleasure. Stimulating the clitoris is essential for orgasm in 70% of women.
The clitoris can be stimulated in many ways, and each person may prefer different types of touch. Contact with a tongue (oral sex), fingers, a sex toy, or a partner's genitals can stimulate the clitoris. Vaginal penetration can also stimulate the clitoris through the vaginal wall.
