Clitoris
In amniotes, the clitoris (/ˈklɪtərɪs/ ⓘ KLIT-ər-iss or /klɪˈtɔːrɪs/ ⓘ klih-TOR-iss; pl.: clitorises or clitorides) is a female sex organ. In humans, it is the vulva's most erogenous area and generally the primary anatomical source of female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is a complex structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The visible portion, the glans, of the clitoris is roughly the size and shape of a pea and is estimated to have at least 8,000 sensory nerve endings.
| Clitoris | |
|---|---|
Human clitoris. Pubic hair has been deliberately removed to show anatomical detail. Location of (1) clitoral hood and (2) clitoral glans (the clitoral body is beneath the hood). | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Genital tubercle |
| Part of | Vulva |
| Artery | Dorsal artery of clitoris, deep artery of clitoris, artery of bulb of vestibule, internal pudendal artery |
| Vein | Superficial dorsal veins of clitoris, deep dorsal vein of clitoris, vein of bulb of vestibule, internal pudendal veins |
| Nerve | Dorsal nerve of clitoris, pudendal nerve |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | clitoris |
| MeSH | D002987 |
| TA98 | A09.2.02.001 |
| TA2 | 3565 |
| FMA | 9909 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Sexological, medical, and psychological debate has focused on the clitoris, and it has been subject to social constructionist analyses and studies. Such discussions range from anatomical accuracy, gender inequality, female genital mutilation, and orgasmic factors and their physiological explanation for the G-spot. The only known purpose of the human clitoris is to provide sexual pleasure.
Knowledge of the clitoris is significantly affected by cultural perceptions of the organ. Studies suggest that knowledge of its existence and anatomy is scant in comparison with that of other sexual organs and that more education about it could help alleviate social stigmas associated with the female body and female sexual pleasure. Examples of stigma include the ideas that the clitoris and vulva in general are visually unappealing, that female masturbation is taboo, or that men should be expected to master and control women's orgasms.
The clitoris is homologous to the penis in males.