Understanding the Clitoris: Anatomy, Function, and Sexual Health
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is the clitoris?
The clitoris is a complex network of erectile tissue and nerves, partly outside and partly inside the body, and the most sensitive part of the vulva. Only the glans is visible; the rest branches around the vagina and urethra. It enables sexual pleasure. Soreness, pain, itching or skin changes that don't go away are worth discussing with a gynecologist.
What the research says
The visible glans is only a small part of a much larger structure. A review of dissection, MRI, 3D reconstruction and histology studies describes the clitoris as a multiplanar structure made up of paired bulbs, paired corpora that continue into the crura, and the glans; the glans is a densely nerve-rich, non-erectile structure and the only external part, and the nerve trunks that reach it are at least 2 mm in diameter even in infancy. The authors also noted that typical textbook descriptions lack detail and include inaccuracies (O'Connell et al., J Urol, 2005) [2].
The whole organ is larger than most people expect. A clinical anatomy review reports an overall clitoral size of 9-11 cm, with an external glans and hood and an internal body, root, crura and bulbs; the main sensory nerve is the dorsal nerve of the clitoris, a branch of the pudendal nerve (Pauls, Clin Anat, 2015) [3].
Where is the clitoris located, and what is its anatomy?
The clitoris is a complex structure with components both outside and inside the body. The part you can see is the glans clitoris, a small nub of flesh at the top of the vulva, where the inner lips meet to form a protective hood. The hood may cover all, some, or none of the glans, depending on individual differences [1].
Inside the body, the clitoris is shaped like an upside-down wishbone and extends several inches into the body. The clitoral body branches into two long legs called the crura, which surround the vaginal canal and urethra. Two vestibular bulbs sit between the crura and the vaginal wall and swell with blood during arousal [1].
Glans (external): the visible, highly sensitive, roughly pea-sized nub at the top of the vulva [1].
Hood (external): the protective fold of skin formed by the inner lips (labia minora) [1].
Body or corpora (internal): the main shaft behind the glans that branches into the crura [1].
Crura (internal): the two long legs that surround the vaginal canal and urethra [1].
Vestibular bulbs (internal): two tissues between the crura and the vaginal wall that swell with blood when you're aroused [1].
Root (internal): where the nerves from the erectile tissue meet, and where the crura join [1].
Figure 1: The clitoris has a small external glans and hood, and an extensive internal structure that includes the crura and the vestibular bulbs.
What role does the clitoris play in pleasure and arousal?
The clitoris enables you to experience sexual pleasure. It is the most sensitive part of the vulva and can produce the most intense and pleasurable sexual responses in the body. The glans has about 10,000 nerve endings, which makes it incredibly sensitive [1].
When it is stimulated, for example by fingers, oral sex, a sex toy, or a partner's genitals, you may feel sexually aroused, and if stimulation continues, pleasure can build until orgasm. Vaginal penetration can also stimulate the clitoris through the vaginal wall. Except for the glans, the clitoris is made of erectile tissue, so the body, crura, and vestibular bulbs fill with blood and expand [1]. The crura and bulbs can swell enough to make the labia swell, and the added pressure on the vaginal wall triggers fluids to secrete inside the vagina, which increases pleasure [1] and aids penetration.
What conditions and symptoms can affect the clitoris?
The clitoris is a resilient organ, but several conditions can affect it. Conditions that can affect the clitoris include:
Enlarged clitoris (clitoromegaly): you can be born with an enlarged clitoris or develop it later in life, most often because of exposure to androgens [1].
Clitoral hood issues: excess hood tissue may cause discomfort, and the hood can stick to the glans (clitoral adhesion), causing pain [1].
Infections: such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and yeast infections [1].
Skin conditions: such as lichen sclerosus, an autoimmune disease [1].
Vulvar cancer: which can affect the clitoris in rare cases [1].
Symptoms that may point to an issue with your clitoris include:
Soreness: the clitoris may feel sore if the glans gets too much direct pressure or stimulation [1].
Pain: an injury, infection, or another condition can cause the clitoris to hurt [1].
Itchiness: an itchy clitoris or clitoral hood may result from an allergic reaction to things like bathing products, lubricants, or condoms. It can also be a sign of infection [1].
Figure 2: Common conditions that can affect the clitoris include soreness and inflammation, adhesions and skin changes, and infections.
How can you maintain clitoral and sexual health?
Understanding your own anatomy is a useful step in maintaining sexual wellness. Because the clitoris is so sensitive, direct or heavy pressure on the glans may feel painful rather than pleasurable [1]. Everyone is different, and what feels best varies from person to person. Experimenting with different types of touch, on your own or with a partner, such as lighter or indirect touch, can help you find what feels good for your body [1]. Communicating what feels good to your partner(s) can also help prevent soreness during and after sex [1].
Talk to a healthcare provider, a gynecologist if possible, if you have persistent pain, itching, or changes in the appearance of the clitoris. It can be uncomfortable to talk about your sexual health, but your provider is there to help you, not judge you.
Figure 3: Tips for sexual health and wellness: regular check-ups, open communication with partners, and self-exploration.
What next steps can support the health of your clitoris?
Next steps for clitoral health include becoming familiar with your external anatomy, discussing persistent discomfort with a gynecologist and exploring gentle touch.
Take time to become familiar with your external anatomy.
Discuss any persistent discomfort or changes with a gynecologist.
Explore different types of gentle touch to understand what feels good for you.
Conclusion
The clitoris is a vital and complex organ for sexual pleasure and arousal. Understanding its internal and external anatomy can help you care for your sexual health and speak up for your wellness. Everyone's anatomy and preferences are different, and recognizing that allows a more personal and positive approach to sexual experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clitoris?
The clitoris is the pleasure center of female reproductive anatomy and your most sensitive erogenous zone. It's a complex network of erectile tissue and nerves with parts both inside and outside the body.
Where is the clitoris located?
The external glans is at the top of the vulva, above the urethra. The internal parts branch out around the vagina and urethra.
How many nerve endings are in the clitoris?
The glans has about 10,000 nerve endings, which makes it incredibly sensitive. It's so sensitive that applying too much pressure or touching it directly may feel painful.
What does the internal clitoris look like?
Inside the body, the clitoris is shaped like an upside-down wishbone. The body sits behind the glans and branches into two long legs called the crura, which surround the vaginal canal and urethra.
Does the clitoris change during arousal?
Yes. Except for the glans, the clitoris is made of erectile tissue that fills with blood and expands when stimulated. The vestibular bulbs can double in size, and the swelling can make the labia swell too.
What is the clitoral hood?
The clitoral hood is a fold of skin formed where the inner lips (labia minora) meet at the top of the vulva. It protects the glans and may cover all, some, or none of it. Everyone is different.
Can the clitoris become sore?
Yes. The clitoris may feel sore if the glans gets too much direct pressure or stimulation. Pain can also come from an injury, an infection, or another condition.
What is clitoromegaly?
Clitoromegaly is an enlarged clitoris. You can be born with it or develop it later in life, and most often exposure to androgens (sex hormones) causes it.
How large is the entire clitoris?
The whole clitoris, from the glans to the crura, is about 3.5 to 4.25 inches long and about 2.5 inches wide. The glans alone is about half an inch wide.
When should I see a doctor about clitoral pain?
Talk to a healthcare provider, a gynecologist if possible, if you have persistent soreness, pain, or itching, or if you notice changes in the appearance of the skin. Also reach out if you find it difficult to reach orgasm.
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
Source date: January 26, 2026.
Related Reading
Clitoral Hood Reduction: Procedure, Recovery, Risks and Benefits explains how extra skin over the clitoris is trimmed, what recovery looks like and the risks to discuss with a surgeon.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Clitoris. Cleveland Clinic. January 26, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22823-clitoris
O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. J Urol. 2005;174(4 Pt 1):1189-1195. PMID 16145367. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000173639.38898.cd
Pauls RN. Anatomy of the clitoris and the female sexual response. Clin Anat. 2015;28(3):376-384. PMID 25727497. https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.22524
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