Body & health

Clitoris

Alsoclitoral glansclitclitoralclitorus

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ of the vulva whose main known function is sexual pleasure. Only its small tip, the glans, is visible; most of it lies beneath the skin.

At a glance

  • Only the small glans of the clitoris is visible; most of the organ lies beneath the skin.
  • Internally it branches into two longer structures and two bulbs, together several centimetres long.
  • It contains thousands of nerve endings and erectile tissue that swells during arousal.
  • The clitoris develops from the same embryonic tissue as the penis.
  • For many people with a vulva, clitoral stimulation is central to reaching orgasm.

In detail

The visible glans sits at the top of the vulva, where the inner labia meet, partly covered by a fold of skin called the clitoral hood. Beneath the surface, the clitoris extends inward and branches into two longer structures and two bulbs, together several centimetres long. It contains thousands of nerve endings and erectile tissue that swells with blood during arousal.

The clitoris develops from the same embryonic tissue as the penis. For many people with a vulva, stimulation of the clitoris plays a central role in orgasm, which is useful context for understanding sexual response and for conversations between partners.

In a sentence

  • The anatomy diagram showed that the clitoris is much larger than the part you can see.
  • In the sex education class, they explained that the clitoral hood is formed where the inner labia meet.

Where the word comes from

From Ancient Greek kleitoris, via modern Latin. The deeper origin of the Greek word is uncertain.

Common questions

How big is the clitoris?

The visible glans is small, but it is only the tip. Under the skin the clitoris extends inward and divides into two longer structures and two bulbs, which together measure several centimetres. Older anatomy books often left these internal parts out.

What is the clitoris for?

Its main known function is sexual pleasure. It is rich in nerve endings and contains erectile tissue that fills with blood during arousal. Understanding this helps people learn about their own bodies and talk openly with partners.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Planned ParenthoodWhat are the parts of the female sexual anatomy?