Clitoris: Sex Dictionary
Developed by the Staff at Sex Therapy in Philadelphia
Clitoris
The Clitoris is an organ located in the female body with the specific function of sexual pleasure and orgasm.
General Information
The clitoris is shaped similarly to a wish-bone and is made up of erectile tissue. The entire structure is comprised of four main parts and contains a total of 8000 nerve endings. Upon arousal, the clitoris fills up with blood and becomes rigid and sexually sensitive.
Clitoral Glans (Head)
- The glans of the clitoris is located on the outside of the body where the labia minora (inner vulva lips) meet at their topmost point.
- Some glans will be fully exposed, while others will be partially or completely covered by a fold of skin known as the clitoral hood.
- When highly aroused or near to orgasm, some glans will shrink in size and/or retract underneath the clitoral hood.
- Every person’s clitoris responds to different types of sensation, as well as different levels of pressure. In general, dexterous sensations (licking, stroking, touching, vibration, etc) work well on the clitoral glans.
- Some clitoral glans are extremely sensitive when aroused and cannot be stimulated directly. In this situation, stimulation can be achieved through the clitoral hood or through materials like cloth.
Clitoral Body
- Connected to the glans, the clitoral body can be up to 1” in length, and can be felt above the clitoral hood.
- Although located internally, this portion of the clitoris can be stimulated manually, and responds well to similar sensations as the clitoral glans.
Clitoral Crura (Legs)
- Located internally and attached to the clitoral body; the clitoral legs extend anywhere from 3” - 5” into the body, and straddle the vagina.
- During arousal, the clitoral crura fill with blood and become erect and sexually sensitive.
Clitoral Bulbs (Vestibular Bulbs)
- The clitoral bulbs are located in front of the crura and also straddle the vagina.
- During arousal the clitoral bulbs will fill with blood, become erect, and put pressure on the vaginal opening, aiding in vulvar spreading.
- The clitoral bulbs will become sexually sensitive during arousal.
Relationship to Orgasm
- Although a majority of the clitoris is internal, many people need direct or indirect stimulation on the glans and body of the clitoris in order to achieve genital orgasm.
- There are some people who report being able to orgasm through penetration and without stimulation of the clitoral glans and body. Although this phenomenon is commonly called a ‘vaginal’ orgasm, it is probable that this type of orgasm generates from the internal parts of the clitoris (bulbs and crura).
- Note: Some people can have vaginal orgasms, but these types of orgasms result from stimulation of the posterior cul-de-sac, a point located in the very back corner of the vagina.
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