Clitoral erection

Depilated human vulva, not aroused (left), aroused (right)

Clitoral erection is a physiological phenomenon where the clitoris becomes enlarged and firm. 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.

Physiology

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

Clitoral erection occurs when the corpora cavernosa, two expandable erectile structures, become engorged with venous blood. This may result from any of various physiological stimuli, including sexual stimulation and sexual arousal. 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.

Causes explained

The clitoris is the homologue of the penis in the female. The part visible on the outside varies in size from a few millimeters to one centimeter and is located hidden in the upper labial fold. Any type of motion can increase blood flow to this tiny organ and this results in excessive secretions which lubricate the vagina.^[1] There are many ways to stimulate the clitoris.

Signs of clitoral stimulation

The main sign of clitoris stimulation is vaginal lubrication. Other signs may include nipple erection, and prolonged body relaxation.^{[citation needed]}

Shape and size

An erect clitoris can take on a number of different shapes and angles, ranging from small and embedded, to large and protruding. Generally, the size of an erect clitoris is fixed throughout post-pubescent life.

Priapism

A clitoral erection that does not subside is a form of priapism called clitorism, a painful condition where the clitoris will experience recurring erections.

Neurovascular mechanism of clitoral erection

The clitoris consists of an external short head attached to a long body which is internally located. The body of the clitoris is surrounded by bulky erectile tissue on either side. This bulk contains muscles and is richly innervated with sensory nerves. While the penis is an external organ which is distended, the clitoris is small and is an internal structure. The major nerve which produces sensations to the clitoris is a branch of the pudendal nerve, also known as the dorsal nerve of the clitoris.^[2]

See also

• Erection
• Sexual function

Notes

1. ^ Clitoral erection and stimulation 2010-02-09
2. ^ Sydney Morning Herald. "The clitoris: anatomy of a revolution" 2010-02-09.

References

• Gharahbaghian, L. (1 November 2008). "Clitoral priapism with no known risk factors". The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine 9 (4): 235–237. ISSN 1936-900X. PMC 2672283. PMID 19561754. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=2672283.  edit
• Gragasin, S.; Michelakis, D.; Hogan, A.; Moudgil, R.; Hashimoto, K.; Wu, X.; Bonnet, S.; Haromy, A. et al. (Sep 2004). "The neurovascular mechanism of clitoral erection: nitric oxide and cGMP-stimulated activation of BKCa channels" (Free full text). The FASEB Journal 18 (12): 1382. doi:10.1096/fj.04-1978com. ISSN 0892-6638. PMID 15333581. http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15333581.  edit
• Shen, Ww; Urosevich, Z; Clayton, Do (Jun 1999). "Sildenafil in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (Free full text). The Journal of reproductive medicine 44 (6): 535–42. ISSN 0024-7758. PMID 10394548. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+54910-89-3.  edit
• Park, K; Goldstein, I; Andry, C; Siroky, Mb; Krane, Rj; Azadzoi, Km (Mar 1997). "Vasculogenic female sexual dysfunction: the hemodynamic basis for vaginal engorgement insufficiency and clitoral erectile insufficiency". International journal of impotence research 9 (1): 27–37. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3900258. ISSN 0955-9930. PMID 9138056.  edit
• Toesca, A. S. (1 June 1996). "Immunohistochemical study of the corpora cavernosa of the human clitoris". Journal of anatomy 188 ( Pt 3) (Pt 3): 513–520. ISSN 0021-8782. PMC 1167479. PMID 8763468. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1167479.  edit
• Akkus, E; Carrier, S; Turzan, C; Wang, Tn; Lue, Tf (Apr 1995). "Duplex ultrasonography after prostaglandin E1 injection of the clitoris in a case of hyperreactio luteinalis". The Journal of urology 153 (4): 1237–8. doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(01)67566-9. ISSN 0022-5347. PMID 7869513.  edit

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