What is the clitoris?

Jul 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

The clitoris is part of the female external genitalia, located at the junction of the two labia minora and above the urethral opening. It is composed of erectile tissue and rich in nerve endings, making it an important erogenous zone in females. Clitoral health is essential to female sexual health; if symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or abnormal discharge occur, they may be related to infections, trauma, or congenital developmental abnormalities, and prompt medical attention is required.

Under normal circumstances, the clitoris is a component of the female external genitalia, located at the junction of the two labia minora, above the urethral opening. It is composed of erectile tissue and is rich in nerve endings, making it an important erogenous zone in females. A detailed analysis is as follows:

The structure of the clitoris includes the clitoral body, clitoral crura, and clitoral glans, with the clitoral prepuce covering its surface. The clitoris consists of two clitoral corpora cavernosa, which are homologous to the corpora cavernosa of the male penis and are capable of erection. The clitoral crura attach to the inferior pubic ramus and ischial ramus, and are covered by the bulbocavernosus muscle. Contraction of this muscle can cause the clitoris to become erect.

The primary function of the clitoris is to participate in sexual arousal and enhance sexual pleasure. During sexual excitement, the clitoris becomes congested, swollen, and erect. The dorsal nerve of the clitoris runs along its dorsum, and the clitoral glans contains numerous nerve endings, making it extremely sensitive. It is the most sensitive part of the female genitalia and can initiate sexual arousal when stimulated, intensifying sexual pleasure during sexual excitement.

It should be noted that clitoral health is important for female sexual health. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or abnormal discharge may indicate infection, trauma, or congenital developmental abnormalities, and prompt medical evaluation is advised.

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