Diagrams of the clitoris muscle

The clitoris is part of the genital anatomy of individuals assigned female at birth. It is an erectile structure, and it is homologous to the penis. That means it develops from the same structures in the embryo and has many similar properties. Like the penis, the clitoris is an erectile organ, although the erectile parts of the clitoris are located internally and are not visible to the eye. The clitoris has no function other than to serve as a site of erotic sensation. The anatomy of the clitoris is often described inadequately, and inaccurately, by many textbooks.

Clue is on a mission to help you understand your body, periods, ovulation, and so much more. Start tracking today. For women and people with vaginas , orgasms most commonly come from the clitoris, located above the vaginal opening and urethra 1,2,3. Erogenous zones are areas of the body that elicit a sexual response when stimulated. The clitoris is one of the most sensitive erogenous zones due to its high concentration of nerve endings 4,5.

What exactly IS a vagina? Well, it's the muscular tube that extends from the cervix to the vulva. It's a surprisingly common question for such a simple definition, but that quick sentence might not answer all your questions.

Unlike the penis , the male homologue equivalent to the clitoris, it usually does not contain the distal portion or opening of the urethra and is therefore not used for urination. The clitoris also usually lacks a reproductive function. While few animals urinate through the clitoris or use it reproductively, the spotted hyena , which has an especially large clitoris, urinates, mates, and gives birth via the organ.