Clitoral erection

Last updated

Left image: Mild sexual arousal. Right image: Strong sexual arousal with erection of the vestibular bulbs under the skin on both sides of the vaginal opening and exposed clitoral glans. Female vulva 4 a.jpg
Left image: Mild sexual arousal. Right image: Strong sexual arousal with erection of the vestibular bulbs under the skin on both sides of the vaginal opening and exposed clitoral glans.
3D image of clitoris in an erect state (with the adjacent organs of the uterus and urinary bladder) Clitoris 3 D - Helen O'Connell.jpg
3D image of clitoris in an erect state (with the adjacent organs of the uterus and urinary bladder)

Clitoral erection (also known as clitoral tumescence or female erection) [1] [2] is a physiological phenomenon where the clitoris becomes enlarged and firm.

Contents

Clitoral erection is the result of a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular, and endocrine factors, and is usually, though not exclusively, associated with sexual arousal. Erections should eventually subside, and the prolonged state of clitoral erection even while not aroused is a condition that could become painful. [3] This swelling and shrinking to a relaxed state seems linked to nitric oxide's effects on tissues in the clitoris, similar to its role in penile erection. [4]

Physiology

The internal anatomy of the human vulva, with the clitoral hood and labia minora indicated as lines. Clitoral anatomy updated.jpg
The internal anatomy of the human vulva, with the clitoral hood and labia minora indicated as lines.

The clitoris is the homolog to the penis in the male. Similarly, the clitoris and its erection can subtly differ in size. [5]

The visible part of the clitoris, the glans clitoris, varies in size from a few millimeters to one centimeter and is located at the front junction of the labia minora (inner lips), above the opening of the urethra. It is covered by the clitoral hood.

Any type of motion can increase blood flow to this organ and this results in increased secretions which lubricate the vagina. There are many ways to stimulate the clitoris.

Clitoral erection occurs when the corpora cavernosa, two expandable erectile structures, become engorged with blood. This may result from any of various physiological stimuli, including sexual arousal. During sexual arousal, arterial blood flow to the clitoris is increased, and trabecular smooth muscle within the clitoris relaxes allowing blood to engorge the erectile tissues. The ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles contract to compress the dorsal vein of the clitoris to stop drainage of the clitoris, trapping the blood. [6] The erectile tissues are composed of endothelium-lined vascular spaces in a trabecular matrix, with the endothelium-lined vascular spaces surrounded by smooth muscle capable of contraction and relaxation.

During sexual arousal, arterial blood flow to the clitoris is increased, and within the clitoris, the arteries further branch to supply the erectile tissues. The trabecular smooth muscles of the erectile tissue relax increasing blood flow to fill the vascular spaces, and expanding the erectile tissues until they are fully engorged with blood. [7] The ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscles contract, compressing the dorsal vein of the clitoris. This compression of the vein restricts drainage of the erectile structures, trapping the blood. [8] This process stretches the tunica albuginea. As a result, the clitoris becomes tumescent to accommodate the increased intracavernosous pressure. The tunica albuginea of the clitoris is made up of one layer making it more elastic than the tunica albuginea of the penis, which is composed of two layers. [9] Erick Janssen (2007) elaborates on this reporting that "the corpora cavernosa of the clitoris are essentially similar to that of the penis except that there is no subalbugineal layer interposed between the tunica albuginea and the erectile tissue. In the penis, this [10] tissue engorges with blood during sexual arousal and becomes compressed against the unyielding tunica, creating penile rigidity – a true erection. The lack of this plexus in the clitoris indicates that while the organ can become tumescent or engorged, it cannot, like the penis, become stiffly erect. The clitoris thus does not become erect with sexual excitement, but engorged." [10] In addition, the tunica albuginea around the glans is thinner than around the shaft in both the clitoris and penis. This gives the glans less firmness relative to the shaft. The extrusion of the glans clitoridis and thinning of the skin enhances sensitivity to physical contact. After a female has orgasmed, the erection usually ends, but this may take time.

Medical conditions

Clitoral priapism

Priapism, while more common in males, is a condition that can also affect the clitoris. [3] Symptoms include painful engorgement, swelling, and pain in the area around the clitoris. [11]

Other animals

Among capuchin monkeys, clitoral erection is possible and makes the clitoris more visible than in its relaxed state where it is hidden by a preputial fold. [12]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Kirshblum, Steven; Lin, Vernon W. (2018). Spinal Cord Medicine, Third Edition. Springer Publishing Company. p. 413. ISBN   978-0-8261-3775-3 . Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  2. ↑ Hall, John (2016). Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier. p. 1052. ISBN   978-1-4557-7005-2 . Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  3. 1 2 Medina, Carlos A (1 November 2002). "Clitoral priapism: a rare condition presenting as a cause of vulvar pain". Obstetrics & Gynecology . 100 (5, Part 2): 1089–1091. doi:10.1016/S0029-7844(02)02084-7. ISSN   0029-7844. PMID   12423816. S2CID   20764733.
  4. ↑ Gragasin, F. S., Michelakis, E. D., Hogan, A., Moudgil, R., Hashimoto, K., Wu, X., ... & Archer, S. L. (2004). The neurovascular mechanism of clitoral erection: Nitric oxide and cGMP‐stimulated activation of BKCa channels. The FASEB journal, 18(12), 1382-1391.
  5. ↑ Jackson, Lindsey A.; Hare, Adam M.; Carrick, Kelley S.; Ramirez, Denise M. O.; Hamner, Jennifer J.; Corton, Marlene M. (1 November 2019). "Anatomy, histology, and nerve density of clitoris and associated structures: clinical applications to vulvar surgery". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 221 (5): 519.e1–519.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.06.048 . ISSN   0002-9378. PMID   31254525. S2CID   195758555.
  6. ↑ Dean O'Loughlin, Valerie; Stouter Bidle, Theresa; McKinley, Michael P. (2022). "Muscular System: Axial and Appendicular Muscles". Anatomy and Physiology: An Integrative Approach (Fourth ed.). McGraw Hill. p. 395. ISBN   978-1-264-26541-1.
  7. ↑ Bono, Christopher M.; Lin, Vernon W. (14 May 2014). Spinal Cord Medicine: Principles and Practice (2nd ed.). Demos Medical Publishing. p. 1176. ISBN   978-1-935281-77-1. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  8. ↑ Hornstein, Theresa; Schwerin, Jeri (1 January 2012). Biology Of Women (5th ed.). Cengage Learning. pp. 62–63 of 816. ISBN   978-1-285-40102-7. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  9. ↑ Goldstein, Irwin; Meston, Cindy M.; Davis, Susan; Traish, Abdulmaged (17 November 2005). Women's Sexual Function and Dysfunction:Study, Diagnosis, and Treatment. CRC Press. p. 176. ISBN   978-1-84214-263-9. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  10. 1 2 Jansen, Erick (27 September 2007). The Psychophysiology of Sex. Indiana University Press. p. 41. ISBN   978-0-253-11704-5. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  11. ↑ Yafi, Faysal A.; April, Daniel; Powers, Mary K.; Sangkum, Premsant; Hellstrom, Wayne J. G. (July 2015). "Penile Priapism, Clitoral Priapism, and Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: A Contemporary Review". Sexual Medicine Reviews. 3 (3): 145–159. doi:10.1002/smrj.51. ISSN   2050-0521. PMID   27784607. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  12. ↑ Carosi, M, Spani, F, Ulland, AE, Scalici, M, Suomi, SJ. Clitoral length in immature and mature captive tufted capuchin (Sapajus spp.) females: A cross-sectional study. Am J Primatol. 2020; 82:e23135. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23135

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoris</span> Erectile female sexual organ

In amniotes, the clitoris is a female sex organ. In humans, it is the vulva's most erogenous area and generally the primary anatomical source of female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is a complex structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The visible portion, the glans, of the clitoris is typically roughly the size and shape of a pea and is estimated to have at least 8,000 nerve endings.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is a form of sexual dysfunction in males characterized by the persistent or recurring inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection with sufficient rigidity and duration for satisfactory sexual activity. It is the most common sexual problem in males and can cause psychological distress due to its impact on self-image and sexual relationships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glans penis</span> End of the penis

In male human anatomy, the glans penis or penile glans, commonly referred to as the glans, is the bulbous structure at the distal end of the human penis that is the human male's most sensitive erogenous zone and primary anatomical source of sexual pleasure. The glans penis is present in the male reproductive organs of humans and most other mammals where it may appear smooth, spiny, elongated or divided. It is externally lined with mucosal tissue, which creates a smooth texture and glossy appearance. In humans, the glans is located over the distal ends of the corpora cavernosa and is a continuation of the corpus spongiosum of the penis. At the summit appears the urinary meatus and at the base forms the corona glandis. An elastic band of tissue, known as the frenulum, runs on its ventral surface. In men who are not circumcised, it is completely or partially covered by a fold of skin called the foreskin. In adults, the foreskin can generally be retracted over and past the glans manually or sometimes automatically during an erection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Priapism</span> Medical condition where an erection lasts excessively long

Priapism is a condition in which a penis remains erect for hours in the absence of stimulation or after stimulation has ended. There are three types: ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic (intermittent). Most cases are ischemic. Ischemic priapism is generally painful while nonischemic priapism is not. In ischemic priapism, most of the penis is hard; however, the glans penis is not. In nonischemic priapism, the entire penis is only somewhat hard. Very rarely, clitoral priapism occurs in women.

Erectile tissue is tissue in the body with numerous vascular spaces, or cavernous tissue, that may become engorged with blood. However, tissue that is devoid of or otherwise lacking erectile tissue may also be described as engorging with blood, often with regard to sexual arousal.

Tumescence is the quality or state of being tumescent or swollen. Tumescence usually refers to the normal engorgement with blood of the erectile tissues, marking sexual excitation, and possible readiness for sexual activity. The tumescent sexual organ in males is the penis and in females is the clitoris and other parts of the genitalia like the vestibular bulbs. Arteries in the penis dilate to increase blood volume.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crus of clitoris</span> One of two erectile tissue structures of the human clitoris

The clitoral crura are two erectile tissue structures, which together form a "V" shape. Crus is a Latin word that means "leg". Each "leg" of the V converges on the clitoral body. At each divergent point is a corpus cavernosum. Together with the vestibular bulbs, they form the clitoral root. The crura are attached to the pubic arch, and are adjacent to the vestibular bulbs. The crura flank the urethra, urethral sponge, and vagina and extend back toward the pubis. Each clitoral crus connects to the rami of the pubis and the ischium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bulb of vestibule</span> One of two elongated masses of erectile tissue in the human clitoris

In female anatomy, the vestibular bulbs, bulbs of the vestibule or clitoral bulbs are two elongated masses of erectile tissue typically described as being situated on either side of the vaginal opening. They are united to each other in front by a narrow median band. Some research indicates that they do not surround the vaginal opening, and are more closely related to the clitoris than to the vestibule. They constitute the root of the clitoris along with the crura.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corpus cavernosum penis</span> Sponge-like region of erectile tissue

A corpus cavernosum penis (singular) is one of a pair of sponge-like regions of erectile tissue, which contain most of the blood in the penis during an erection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corpus cavernosum of clitoris</span> One of a pair of regions in the clitoris that contain the blood during erection

The corpus cavernosum of the clitoris is one of a pair of sponge-like regions of erectile tissue that engorge with blood during an erection. This is homologous to the corpus cavernosum of the penis. The term corpora cavernosa literally means "cave-like bodies".

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) is a spontaneous erection of the penis during sleep or when waking up. Along with nocturnal clitoral tumescence, it is also known as sleep-related erection. Colloquially, the term morning wood, or less commonly, morning glory is also used, although this is more commonly used to refer specifically to an erection beginning during sleep and persisting into the period just after waking. Men without physiological erectile dysfunction or severe depression experience nocturnal penile tumescence, usually three to five times during a period of sleep, typically during rapid eye movement sleep. Nocturnal penile tumescence is believed to contribute to penile health.

Venous leak, also called venogenic erectile dysfunction and penile venous insufficiency, is one category of vasculogenic impotence — a cause of erectile dysfunction in males. It affects all ages, being particularly awkward in young men. Much about venous leaks has not reached a consensus among the medical community, and many aspects of the condition, particularly its treatment strategies, are controversial. The prevalence of the condition is still unknown, although some sources claim it to be a common cause of erectile dysfunction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tunica albuginea (penis)</span> Anatomical structure of the penis

The tunica albuginea is the fibrous envelope that extends the length of the corpus cavernosum penis and corpus spongiosum penis. It is a bi-layered structure that includes an outer longitudinal layer and an inner circular layer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human penis</span> Human male external reproductive organ

In human anatomy, the penis is an external sex organ through which males urinate and ejaculate. The main parts are the root, body, the epithelium of the penis including the shaft skin, and the foreskin covering the glans. The body of the penis is made up of three columns of tissue: two corpora cavernosa on the dorsal side and corpus spongiosum between them on the ventral side. The urethra passes through the prostate gland, where it is joined by the ejaculatory ducts, and then through the penis. The urethra goes across the corpus spongiosum and ends at the tip of the glans as the opening, the urinary meatus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Body of penis</span> Part of the penis located outside of the pelvic cavity

The body or shaft of the penis is the free portion of the human penis that is located outside of the pelvic cavity. It is the continuation of the internal root, which is embedded in the pelvis and extends to the glans. It is made up of the two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum on the underside. The corpora cavernosa are intimately bound to one another with a dorsally fenestrated septum, which becomes a complete one before the penile crura. The body of the penis is homologous to the female clitoral body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Root of penis</span> Internal portion of the human penis

In human male anatomy, the radix or root of the penis is the internal and most proximal portion of the human penis that lies in the perineum. Unlike the pendulous body of the penis, which is suspended from the pubic symphysis, the root is attached to the pubic arch of the pelvis and is not visible externally. It is triradiate in form, consisting of three masses of erectile tissue; the two diverging crura, one on either side, and the median bulb of the penis or urethral bulb. Approximately one third to one half of the penis is embedded in the pelvis and can be felt through the scrotum and in the perineum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erection</span> Physiological phenomenon involving the hardening and enlargement of the penis

An erection is a physiological phenomenon in which the penis becomes firm, engorged, and enlarged. Penile erection is the result of a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular, and endocrine factors, and is often associated with sexual arousal, sexual attraction or libido, although erections can also be spontaneous. The shape, angle, and direction of an erection vary considerably between humans.

A penile injury is a medical emergency that afflicts the penis. Common injuries include fracture, avulsion injury, strangulation, entrapment, and amputation.

Penile ultrasonography is medical ultrasonography of the penis. Ultrasound is an excellent method for the study of the penis, such as indicated in trauma, priapism, erectile dysfunction or suspected Peyronie's disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glans insufficiency syndrome</span> Medical condition

Glans insufficiency syndrome, also known as soft glans, cold glans, or glans insufficiency, is a medical condition that affects male individuals. This condition is characterized by the persistent inability of the glans penis to achieve and maintain an erect or turgid state during sexual arousal, remaining soft and cold. This condition can have an impact on a person's sexual function, including decreased sensitivity, difficulty in maintaining an erection, and overall quality of life.

References

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.