Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Urogenital Apparatus
Genitalia - External Female Genitalia
Clitoris

The clitoris is an unpaired Structure structurally similar to the erectile tissue of the male Penis (Fig. 184). It consists of two corpora cavernosa clitoridis, each originating as a crus clitoridis from the periosteum of the inferior ramus of the pubic bone. Joining near the inferior margin of the Pubic Symphysis, the crura form the corpus clitoridis. The body of the clitoris terminates in a small prominence, the glans clitoridis, which is located in the upper part of the pudendal cleft and protrudes freely between the anterior ends of the Labia minora. The preputium clitoridis and frenulum clitoridis, mentioned above, are direct continuations of the labia minora. The corpora cavernosa of the clitoris are covered by the tunica albuginea, whose extensions within the body form the trabeculae of the cavernous tissue. Externally, the clitoris, except for the glans, is surrounded by the fascia clitoridis. The body of the clitoris is anchored to the pubic symphysis by the ligamentum suspensorium clitoridis. The clitoris, especially its glans, is rich in nerve endings (receptors); their stimulation induces a clitoral erection accompanied by the engorgement of the corpora cavernosa with Blood and their enlargement.

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Fig. 184. The clitoris

1 — frenulum of the clitoris; 2 — body of the clitoris; 3 — crus of the clitoris; 4 — glans of the clitoris

Blood supply to the external genitalia. The Labia Majora and minora are supplied by the anterior labial Arteries from the external pudendal artery (a branch of the femoral artery), as well as by the posterior labial arteries from the perineal artery (a branch of the internal pudendal artery). Venous blood from the labia majora and minora drains via corresponding Veins into the internal iliac veins. Lymphatic vessels of the labia majora and minora drain into the superficial inguinal Lymph Nodes.

Innervation of the labia majora and minora is provided by the anterior labial Branches of the ilioinguinal nerve, the posterior labial branches of the perineal nerve, and the genital branches of the genitofemoral nerve.

The blood supply to the clitoris and the vestibular bulb involves the deep and dorsal Arteries of the clitoris, and the artery of the vestibular bulb (branches of the internal pudendal artery). Venous blood from the clitoris drains via the paired dorsal vein into the vesical venous plexus, and via the deep vein of the clitoris into the internal pudendal vein. The vein of the vestibular bulb drains into the internal pudendal vein and the inferior rectal veins. Lymphatic vessels from the clitoris and vestibular bulb drain into the superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

The clitoris is innervated by branches of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris from the pudendal nerve, and by the cavernous NERVES OF THE clitoris (branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus).