The clitoris is both an external as well as an internal organ. And scientists agree, the clitoris is composed of at least five parts.
These five parts include: the prepuce, which partially covers the glans clitoris, the glans clitoris — also called the head of the clitoris, and the body of the clitoris, which transitions from the glans clitoris.
Each of these first three parts of the clitoris are external, although this varies from one female to the next. For example, some females either only the prepuce or only the glans are visible parts of the clitoris to the naked eye.
The remaining two parts of the clitoris are internal; the body of the clitoris transitions into the angle of the clitoris; and the angle of the clitoris transitions into the root of the clitoris.
Note there is a single body of the clitoris and this transitions into two angles and two roots of the clitoris that surround the vagina.
Part of what makes anatomy complex is that it seems there are thirty different names for the exact same anatomical part. The clitoris’ anatomy is no exception to this complexity. For example, the clitoral roots are often referred to as corpus cavernosa. And the ends of the corpus cavernosa are referred to as crura.
And although debatable as being a part of the clitoris — several anatomists include the clitoral bulbs also referred to as the vestibular bulbs as the sixth part of the clitoris — the clitoral bulbs transition from the angles of the clitoris and surround the vagina in even closer proximity than the clitoris’ roots.
One more thing needs to be said about the clitoris’ anatomy and function.
We know the clitoris is a normal part of a woman’s anatomy with pleasure being its normal physiological function.
This bears repeating.
The clitoris is a normal part of a woman’s anatomy with pleasure being its normal physiological function.
And for those of you in the back row.
The clitoris is a normal part of a woman’s anatomy with pleasure being its normal physiological function.
One. More. Time.
The clitoris is a normal part of a woman’s anatomy with pleasure being its normal physiological function.
References
Buisson O., Foldes P., & Paniel, B. J. (2008). Sonography of the clitoris. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 5, 413–417.
Chalker R. (2000). The Clitoral Truth: The Secret World at Your Fingertips. New York: Seven Stories Press.
Dickinson R. L. (1949). Atlas of Human Sex Anatomy. 2nd Ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
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Dr. Don Lucas, Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology and head of the Psychology Department at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio Texas. He loves psychology, teaching, and research.
If you like this story, then check out Don’s videos on his YouTube channel, 5MIweekly: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQFQ0vPPNPS-LYhlbKOzpFw/, like him on Facebook: http://fb.me/5MIWeekly, and check out his website: http://5Miweekly.com
Clitoris, anatomy, women’s health, sexuality, physiology
