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{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = Clitoris |
Latin = |
GraySubject = 270 |
GrayPage = 1266 |
Image = Clitoris_anatomy_labeled-en.svg |
Caption = The internal anatomy of the human ], 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 ]. The ] upon the ] has been removed.|
Width = 180 |
Precursor = ] |
System = |
Artery = ], ] |
Vein = ], ] |
Nerve = ] |
Lymph = |
MeshName = Clitoris |
MeshNumber = A05.360.319.887.436 |
Dorlands = two/000021948 |
DorlandsID = Clitoris
}}

The '''clitoris''' is a ] that is present only in ] ]s. In humans, the visible button-like portion is located near the ] junction of the ], above the opening of the ] and ]. Unlike the ], which is ] to the clitoris, the clitoris does not contain the ] portion of the ], and functions solely to induce ]. The only known exception to this is in the ]. In this species, the ] is unique in that the female urinates, mates and gives birth via an enlarged, ]ile clitoris, known as a ].<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|month=January | year=2006|doi=10.1016/S0022-5347(05)00014-5}}</ref>

==Pronunciation and etymology==
The word is {{pronEng|ˈklɪtɒr<s>ɪ</s>s}} {{noprint|(]}}) or {{IPA|/kl<s>ɪ</s>ˈtɔər<s>ɪ</s>s/}} {{noprint|(]}}). 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 '']'' suggests that the pronunciation {{IPA|/ˈklaɪtɒr<s>ɪ</s>s/}}) is also used in the ], and gives the likely etymology as coming from the Greek ''{{polytonic|κλειτορἰς}}'', perhaps derived from the verb ''{{polytonic|κλεἰ-ειν}}'', to shut. The ] 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 ] is ''clitoridis'', as in "]".

== Form ==
The head or glans of the clitoris is roughly the size and shape of a ], 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 ], making it particularly well-suited for ].

]]

{{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 |
Dorlands = nine/000116925 |
DorlandsID = vulva
}}

The clitoris is a complex structure that includes external and internal components. Projecting at the front of the vaginal ] where the edges of the outer lips (]) meet at the base of the pubic mound is the ] (]), which in full or part covers the head (]) -- 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 ] formed of the ], which are concealed behind the ], and terminating attached to the pubic arch, according to some,<ref></ref> or following interior to the labia minora to meet at the ], according to others.<ref name="Chalker"/>

Associated are the ], clitoral/], ], a network of nerves and blood vessels, suspensory ligaments, muscles and pelvic diaphragm.<ref name="Francoeur"/>

There is considerable variation in 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 a woman's age, height, weight, use of oral contraceptives, or being post-menopausal. Those who have given birth tend to have slightly larger measurements.{{Fact |date=August 2008}}

]]

] were the first to determine that the clitoral structures surround and extend along the vagina, determining that all ] are of clitoral origin.<ref>{{cite book |last=Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers |year=1991 |title=A New View of a Woman’s Body |publisher= Feminist Heath Press |pages=46 |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 ] of the clitoral bulbs and corpora, and the distal urethra and vagina.<ref name=oconnell>{{cite journal
| authorlink = O'Connell, et al
| title = Anatomy of the Clitoris
| journal = The Journal of Urology
| volume = 174
| pages = 1189 –1195
| month = October | year = 2005}}</ref> She asserts that this interconnected relationship is the physiological explanation for the conjectured ] and experience of ] 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 ] and during orgasm, the clitoris and the whole of the genitalia engorge and change color as these erectile tissues fill with ], and the individual experiences vaginal contractions. Masters and Johnson documented the ], 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 indicated, evidenced by genital engorgement, color changes, and vaginal contractions.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bodansky |first=Vera and Steve|year=2002 |title=The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm |publisher= Hunter House |isbn=0897933621}}</ref>

==Development==
At the time of ] in ] the previously undifferentiated ] develops into the clitoris or the penis, along with all other major organ systems, making them ].<ref name="Francoeur">{{cite book |last=Francoeur |first=Robert T. |year=2000 |title=The Complete Dictionary of Sexology |publisher=The Continuum Publishing Company |pages=180 |isbn=0-82640-672-6}}</ref> The clitoris is formed from the same tissues that would become the glans and upper shaft of a ] if the ] 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 ].<ref>{{cite book |last=Reinisch, Beasley |first=June and Ruth|year=1990 |title=The Kinsey Institute New Report on Sex |publisher= St. Martin’s Press |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|year=2001 |title=Human Reproduction at a Glance |publisher= Blackwell Sciences, Ltd |isbn=0632054611}}</ref> A condition that can develop from naturally occurring or deliberate exposure to higher than average levels of ] is ] or macroclitoris, of which there are a few .

==Recognition of existence==
The clitoris has been rediscovered repeatedly over the centuries (Harvey 2001, Laqueur 1989). 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 |year=2000 |title=The Clitoral Truth |url=http://www.sevenstories.com/Book/index.cfm?GCOI=58322100427350 |publisher=Seven Seas Press |pages=1 |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: ] (also known as Matteo Renaldo Colombo) was a lecturer in ] at the ], ], 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 ]."

Colombo's claim was disputed by his successor at ], ] (who discovered the ]), who claimed that he was the first to discover the clitoris. ], a 17th century Danish ], dismissed both claims, arguing that the clitoris had been widely known to ] since the 2nd century. Indeed, ] used the term columella (''little pillar''). ] named the clitoris the albatra or virga (''rod''). ], an Arabic medical authority, named it tentigo (''tension''). It was also known to the Romans, who named it (vulgar slang) '']''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Latin Sexual Vocabulary |author=J.N. Adams |publisher=] |year=1982 |page=97-98}}</ref>

This cycle of suppression and discovery continued, notably in the work of ] (''Tractatus de Virorum Organis Generationi Inservientibus, De Mulierum Organis Generationi Inservientibus Tractatus Novus'') in the 17th century and ] (''Die männlichen und weiblichen Wollustorgane des Menschen und einiger Säugetiere'') in the 19th. De Graaf criticised Columbo's claims for this. (Harvey, Laqueur).

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 ] 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, ] complements these efforts, as it is both a live and multiplanar method of examination.<ref name=oconnell/>

==Female genital modification==
{{main|genital modification and mutilation}}

The external part of the clitoris may be partially or totally removed during ], 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. ] estimates that over 2 million involuntary female circumcisions are being performed every year, mainly in ]n countries.

In various cultures, the clitoris is sometimes ]. 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 reluctant to attempt such a delicate procedure. Some styles, such as the ], 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) ].

Enlargement may be intentional or unintentional. Those taking hormones and/or other medications as part of ] ] 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. However, the clitoris never completely adapts to the masculinization of its owner and will never be able to ejaculate or urinate and is small in comparison to the genitalia of a natural born male. On the other hand, use of ]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.



==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>

==See also==
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==References==
===Notes===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book | url = http://books.google.ca/books?id=m3m3_Uq8qWkC&pg=PA94&lpg=PA94 | author = Chalker, Rebecca | title = The Clitoral Truth: The secret world at your fingertips | publisher = Seven Stories | location = New York| year = 2002}} (Google Books)
* Harvey E. Anatomies of rapture: Clitoral politics/medical blazons. Signs. 27(2) Winter 2002, 315-46
* Laqueur TW. Amor veneris, vel dulcedo appeletur, in Fragments for a History of the Human Body. 3 Feher M, NaddaffnR, Tazi N. (eds.) ZONE, NY 1989, 91-131

==External links==
{{commonscat|Clitoris}}
{{wiktionary|clitoris}}
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*
* The story of Helen O'Connell

{{Female reproductive system}}
{{human anatomical features}}
{{sex}}


=====tags=====
{{Refimprove|date=June 2008}}

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Revision as of 05:19, 16 January 2009

for sex