Clitoris | |
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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.
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Details | |
Precursor | Genital tubercle |
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 |
Identifiers | |
MeSH | A05.360.319.887.436 |
TA | A09.2.02.001 |
FMA | 9909 |
Anatomical terminology
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The clitoris (i/ˈklɪtərᵻs/ or i/klᵻˈtɔːrᵻs/) is a female sex organ present in mammals, ostriches and a limited number of other animals. In humans, the visible button-like portion is near the front junction of the labia minora (inner lips), above the opening of the urethra. Unlike the penis, the male homologue (equivalent) to the clitoris, it usually does not contain the distal portion (or opening) of the urethra and is therefore not used for urination. While few animals urinate through the clitoris, the spotted hyena, which has an especially well-developed clitoris, urinates, mates and gives birth via the organ. Some other mammals, such as lemurs and spider monkeys, also have a well-developed clitoris.