Clitoris 6884 225640588 2008-07-14T18:10:22Z Useight 2910303 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/67.240.56.25|67.240.56.25]] to last version by Atomican (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{Refimprove|date=June 2008}}{{Infobox Anatomy | Name = Clitoris | Latin = | GraySubject = 270 | GrayPage = 1266 | Image = Clitoris_anatomy_labeled-en.jpg | Caption = The internal anatomy of the human [[vulva]], with the clitoral hood and labia minora indicated as lines. The clitoris extends from the visible portion to a point below the pubic bone. | Image2 = | Caption2 = Structures of the female genitalia, with the tip of the clitoris visible above the [[labia minora]]. The [[pubic hair]] upon the [[labia majora]] has been removed.| Width = 180 | Precursor = [[Genital tubercle]] | System = | Artery = [[dorsal artery of clitoris]], [[deep artery of clitoris]] | Vein = [[superficial dorsal veins of clitoris]], [[deep dorsal vein of clitoris]] | Nerve = [[dorsal nerve of clitoris]] | Lymph = | MeshName = Clitoris | MeshNumber = A05.360.319.887.436 | DorlandsPre = | DorlandsSuf = | }} The '''clitoris''' is a [[sex organ|sexual organ]] that is present only in [[female]] [[mammal]]s. In humans, the visible button-like portion is located near the [[anterior]] junction of the [[labia minora]], above the opening of the [[urethra]] and [[vagina]]. Unlike the [[penis]], which is [[Homology (biology)|homologous]] to the clitoris, the clitoris does not contain the [[distal]] portion of the [[urethra]] and functions solely to induce [[sexual pleasure]]. The only known exception to this is in the [[Spotted Hyena]]. In this species, the [[urogenital system]] is unique in that the female urinates, mates and gives birth via an enlarged, [[erect]]ile clitoris, known as a [[pseudo-penis]].<ref>{{cite journal|author=Laurence S. Baskina, Selcuk Yucelae, Gerald R. Cunhab, Stephen E. Glickmancd, Ned J. Placec|title=A Neuroanatomical Comparison of Humans and Spotted Hyena, a Natural Animal Model for Common Urogenital Sinus: Clinical Reflections on Feminizing Genitoplasty|journal=Journal of Urology|volume=175|issue=1|pages=276–283|year=January 2006|doi=10.1016/S0022-5347(05)00014-5}}</ref> ==Pronunciation and etymology== The word is {{pronEng|ˈklɪtɒr<s>ɪ</s>s}} {{noprint|([[media:Clitoris pronunciation 1.ogg|listen]]}}) or {{IPA|/kl<s>ɪ</s>ˈtɔər<s>ɪ</s>s/}} {{noprint|([[media:Clitoris pronunciation 2.ogg|listen]]}}). The plural forms are ''clitorises'' in English and ''clitorides'' in Latin. In slang, it is sometimes abbreviated as ''clit'', which originated in the 1950s. The ''[[Oxford English Dictionary|OED]]'' suggests that the pronunciation {{IPA|/ˈklaɪtɒr<s>ɪ</s>s/}}) is also used in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], and gives the likely etymology as coming from the Greek ''{{polytonic|κλειτορἰς}}'', perhaps derived from the verb ''{{polytonic|κλεἰ-ειν}}'', to shut. The [[Online Etymology Dictionary]] maintains that the etymology of this diminutive is still uncertain noting that many sources take kleitoris “{{polytonic|Κλειτορίδ}}” literally from the Greek "little hill”. Other etymological candidates are key or latch, to touch or titillate lasciviously, to tickle, to be inclined (toward pleasure) and slope, from the same root as climax. It has been noted in German as ''der Kitzler'' meaning "the tickler". Its Latin [[genitive]] is ''clitoridis'', as in "[[Clitoral glans|glans clitoridis]]". == Form == The head or glans of the clitoris is roughly the size and shape of a [[pea]], although it can be significantly larger or smaller. The clitoral glans is highly sensitive, containing as many nerve endings as the analogous organ in males, the [[glans penis]], making it particularly well-suited for [[sexual stimulation]]. [[Image:Edsim clitoral glans innervation.jpg|thumb|left|[http://www.ed-sim.com/clitoral_innervation Click here to see a video showing clitoral innervation]]] {{Infobox Anatomy | Name = Human vulva | GraySubject = | GrayPage = | Latin = | Image = Vulva_labeled_no_tags.jpg | Caption = Human vulva showing externally-visible features of the clitoris in relation to other components: 1. Clitoral hood (prepuce); 2. Clitoral glans; 3. Urethral orifice; 4. Vulval vestibule; 5. Labia minora; 6. Vaginal opening; 7. Labia majora (hair removed); 8. Perineum | Width = 180 | MeshName = Vulva | MeshNumber = A05.360.319.887 | DorlandsPre = | DorlandsSuf = | }} The clitoris is a complex structure that includes external and internal components. Projecting at the front of the vaginal [[commissure]] where the edges of the outer lips ([[labia majora]]) meet at the base of the pubic mound is the [[clitoral hood]] ([[prepuce]]), which in full or part covers the head ([[clitoral glans]]) -- commonly about the size and shape of a shirt-button. Following from the head back and up along the shaft, it is found that this extends up to several centimeters before reversing direction, branched resulting in a shaped like an inverted "V", and extending as a pair of "legs" known as the [[clitoral crura]] formed of the [[corpora cavernosa]], which are concealed behind the [[labia minora]], and terminating attached to the pubic arch, according to some,<ref>http://www.medicalook.com/human_anatomy/organs/Vulva.html</ref> or following interior to the labia minora to meet at the [[frenulum labiorum pudendi|fourchette]], according to others.<ref name="Chalker"/> Associated are the [[urethral sponge]], clitoral/[[vestibular bulbs]], [[perineal sponge]], a network of nerves and blood vessels, suspensory ligaments, muscles and pelvic diaphragm.<ref name="Francoeur"/> There is considerable variation with regard to how much of the clitoris protrudes from the hood and how much is covered by it, ranging from complete, covered invisibility to full, protruding visibility. An article published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in July 1992 states that the average width of the clitoral glans lies within the range of 2.5 – 4.5 mm (0.10-0.18 in) indicating that the average size is smaller than a pencil eraser. There is no identified correlation between the size of a clitoris and the person's age, neither to being post-menopausal, nor to height, weight or use of oral contraceptives. Those who have given birth do tend to have slightly larger measurements. [[Image:Edsim Vascular.jpg|thumb|left|[http://www.ed-sim.com/clitoral_vascularization Click here to see a video showing clitoris becoming engorged with blood]]] [[Masters and Johnson]] were the first to determine that the clitoral structures surround and extend along the vagina, determining that all [[orgasms]] are of clitoral origin. <ref>{{cite book |last=Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers |date=1991 |title=A New View of a Woman’s Body |publisher= Feminist Heath Press |pages=46 |id=ISBN 0-929945-0-2}}</ref> More recently, Australian urologist Dr. Helen O'Connell using MRI technology noted a direct relationship between the legs or roots of the clitoris and the [[erectile tissue]] of the clitoral bulbs and corpora, and the distal urethra and vagina. <ref>O'Connell, Helen, ''Anatomy of the Clitoris'', J Urol. 2005 Oct;174(4 Pt 1):1189-95, PMID 16145367</ref>She asserts that this interconnected relationship is the physiological explanation for the conjectured [[G-spot]] and experience of [[vaginal orgasm]] taking into account the stimulation of the internal parts of the clitoris during vaginal penetration. <ref>Mascall, Sharon, “Time for Rethink on the Clitoris”, BBC News. 2006 June |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5013866.stm</ref> Some individuals who experience orgasm from both direct clitoral stimulation of the glans and vaginal access to the internal bodies may distinguish between them in terms of both the physical and general sensations associated with each. During sexual arousal and during orgasm, the clitoris and the whole of the genitalia engorge and change color as these erectile tissues fill with [[blood]], and the individual experiences vaginal contractions. Masters and Johnson documented the [[sexual response cycle]], which has four phases and is still the clinically accepted definition of the human orgasm. More recent research has determined that some can experience a sustained intense orgasm through stimulation of the clitoris and remain in the orgasmic phase for much longer than the original studies indicate, evidenced by genital engorgement and color changes, and vaginal contractions. <ref>{{cite book |last=Bodansky |first=Vera and Steve|date=2002 |title=The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm |publisher= Hunter House |id=ISBN 0897933621}}</ref> ==Development== At the time of [[development of the urinary and reproductive organs]] in [[embryogenesis]] the previously undifferentiated [[genital tubercle]] develops into the clitoris or the penis, along with all other major organ systems, making them [[homologous]]. <ref name="Francoeur">{{cite book |last=Francoeur |first=Robert T. |date=2000 |title=The Complete Dictionary of Sexology |publisher=The Continuum Publishing Company |pages=180 |id=ISBN 0-82640-672-6}}</ref>. The clitoris is formed from the same tissues that would become the glans and upper shaft of a [[penis]] if the [[embryo]] had been exposed to “male” hormones. Changes in appearance of male and female embryos begin roughly eight weeks after conception. By birth, the genital structures have developed into the [[Female reproductive system (human)|female reproductive system]]. <ref>{{cite book |last=Reinisch, Beasley |first=June and Ruth|date=1990 |title=The Kinsey Institute New Report on Sex |publisher= St. Martin’s Press |id=ISBN 0312063865}}</ref> Embryo sex based on external genitalia is apparent to a doctor at the end of the 14th menstrual week, and the sex can usually be identified by an ultrasound after 16 to 18 menstrual weeks. <ref>{{cite book |last=Heffner |first=Linda|date=2001 |title=Human Reproduction at a Glance |publisher= Blackwell Sciences, Ltd |id=ISBN 0632054611}}</ref> ==Recognition of existence== Over a period of more than 2,500 years, some have considered the clitoris and the penis equivalent in all respects except their arrangement.<ref name="Chalker">{{cite book |last=Chalker |first=Rebecca |date=2000 |title=The Clitoral Truth |url=http://www.sevenstories.com/Book/index.cfm?GCOI=58322100427350 |publisher=Seven Seas Press |pages=1 |id=ISBN 1-58322-473-4}}</ref> Medical literature first recognized the existence of the clitoris in the 16th century{{Fact|date=June 2007}}. This is the subject of some dispute: [[Realdo Colombo]] (also known as Matteo Renaldo Colombo) was a lecturer in [[surgery]] at the [[University of Padua]], [[Italy]], and in 1559 he published a book called ''De re anatomica'' in which he described the "seat of woman's delight". Colombo concluded, "Since no one has discerned these projections and their workings, if it is permissible to give names to things discovered by me, it should be called the love or sweetness of [[Venus (mythology)|Venus]]." Colombo's claim was disputed by his successor at [[University of Padua|Padua]], [[Gabriele Falloppio]] (who discovered the [[fallopian tube]]), who claimed that he was the first to discover the clitoris. [[Caspar Bartholin the Younger|Caspar Bartholin]], a 17th century Danish [[anatomy|anatomist]], dismissed both claims, arguing that the clitoris had been widely known to [[medicine|medical science]] since the 2nd century. Indeed, [[Hippocrates]] used the term columella (''little pillar''). [[Avicenna]] named the clitoris the albatra or virga (''rod''). [[Albucasis]], an Arabic medical authority, named it tentigo (''tension''). It was also known to the Romans, who named it ''[[Latin profanity#Landica: the clitoris|landica]]''. (''The Latin Sexual Vocabulary'' by J.N. Adams Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1982. pp. 95-6.) This cycle of suppression and discovery continued, notably in the work of [[De Graaf]] (''Tractatus de Virorum Organis Generationi Inservientibus, De Mulierum Organis Generationi Inservientibus Tractatus Novus'') in the 17th century and [[Kobelt]] (''Die männlichen und weiblichen Wollustorgane des Menschen und einiger Säugetiere'') in the 19th. The full extent of the clitoris was alluded to by Masters and Johnson in 1966, but in such a muddled fashion that the significance of their description became obscured. That same year, feminist psychiatrist [[Mary Jane Sherfey]] published an article on female sexuality that described in detail the extensive nature of the internal anatomy of the clitoris and in 1981, the Federation of Feminist Women's Health Clinics (FFWHC) continued this process with anatomically precise illustrations. <ref name="Chalker" /> Today, [[MRI]] complements these efforts, as it is both a live and multiplanar method of examination <ref>{{cite journal | authorlink = O'Connell, et al | title = Anatomy of the Clitoris | journal = The Journal of Urology | volume = 174 | pages = 1189 –1195 | date = October 2005}}</ref>. ==Female genital modification== {{main|genital modification and mutilation}} The external part of the clitoris may be partially or totally removed during [[female genital cutting]], also known as a clitoridectomy, female circumcision, or female genital mutilation (FGM); this may be a voluntary or involuntary procedure. The topic is highly controversial with many countries condemning the traditions that give rise to involuntary procedures, and with some countries outlawing even voluntary procedures. [[Amnesty International]] estimates that over 2 million involuntary female circumcisions are being performed every year, mainly in [[Africa]]n countries. In various cultures, the clitoris is sometimes [[Clitoris piercing|pierced directly]]. In U.S. body modification culture, it is actually extremely rare for the clitoral shaft itself to be pierced, as of the already few people who desire the piercing, only a small percentage are anatomically suited for it; furthermore, most piercing artists are understandably reluctant to attempt such a delicate procedure. Some styles, such as the [[Isabella piercing|Isabella]], do pass through the clitoris but are placed deep at the base, where they provide unique stimulation; they still require the proper genital build, but are more common than shaft piercings. Additionally, what is (erroneously) referred to as a "clit piercing" is almost always the much more common (and much less complicated) [[clitoral hood piercing]]. Enlargement may be intentional or unintentional. Those taking hormones and/or other medications as part of [[female-to-male]] [[Transitioning (transgender)|transition]] usually experience dramatic clitoral growth; individual desires (and the difficulties of surgical phalloplasty) often result in the retention of the original genitalia, the enlarged clitoris analogous to a penis as part of the transition. On the other hand, use of [[anabolic steroid]]s by bodybuilders and other athletes can result in significant enlargement of the clitoris in concert with other masculinizing effects on their bodies. Temporary engorgement results from suction pumping, practiced to enhance sexual pleasure or for aesthetic purposes. ==In Male-to-Female Transsexual People== Male-to-female transsexual individuals who undergo [[sex reassignment surgery (male-to-female)]] (SRS) may choose to have their surgeon design a clitoris, using their existing genital tissue. The new clitoris may be referred to as a ''neoclitoris''. ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Clitoris_outer_anatomy.gif|Outer anatomy of clitoris. Image:Gray408.png|Muscles of the perineum. Image:Gray1166.png|Sagittal section of the lower part of the trunk, right segment. </gallery> ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Clitoris}} * [http://www.vulvavelvet.org/anatomy.html VulvaVelvet.org] - Female sexual anatomy, including information on the structure of the clitoris * [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5013866.stm Time for rethink on the clitoris (BBC News)] * [http://www.ed-sim.com Video simulation of the clitoris in arousal] {{Female reproductive system}} {{human anatomical features}} {{sex}} [[Category:Female reproductive system]] [[Category:Gynecology]] [[Category:Reproductive system]] [[Category:Sex organs]] <!-- The below are interlanguage links. --> [[als:Klitoris]] [[ar:بظر]] [[zh-min-nan:Chi-bai-íⁿ]] [[bs:Klitoris]] [[br:Ellig]] [[bg:Клитор]] [[ca:Clítoris]] [[cs:Klitoris]] [[cy:Clitoris]] [[da:Klitoris]] [[de:Klitoris]] [[dv:ކުޅަނދިލި]] [[el:Κλειτορίδα]] [[es:Clítoris]] [[eo:Klitoro]] [[fa:چوچوله]] [[fr:Clitoris]] [[gd:Brillean]] [[gl:Clítoris]] [[ko:음핵]] [[hr:Klitoris]] [[ilo:Muting]] [[id:Klitoris]] [[is:Snípur]] [[it:Clitoride]] [[he:דגדגן]] [[ku:Klîtorîs]] [[la:Clitoris]] [[lt:Varputė]] [[hu:Csikló]] [[mk:Клиторис]] [[ms:Kelentit]] [[nl:Clitoris]] [[ja:陰核]] [[no:Klitoris]] [[oc:Clitòris]] [[nds:Klitoris]] [[pl:Łechtaczka]] [[pt:Clítoris]] [[ro:Clitoris]] [[ru:Клитор]] [[simple:Clitoris]] [[sk:Dráždec]] [[sl:Ščegetavček]] [[sr:Клиторис]] [[su:Itil]] [[fi:Häpykieli]] [[sv:Klitoris]] [[tl:Tinggil]] [[th:คลิตอริส]] [[vi:Âm vật]] [[tr:Klitoris]] [[uk:Клітор]] [[zh-yue:陰蒂]] [[diq:gılık]] [[zh:陰蒂]]