The word clitoris is derived from Greek klitoros meaning "hill". It is an oval shaped organ located above the vagina. It is composed of three main parts namely glans, clitoral bulbs, and the vestibular bulbs. It consists of erectile tissue just like male penis but smaller in size. Clitoris is responsible for sexual pleasure and orgasm in women during intercourse.
Glans: It is the small round structure that resembles a man's head of the penis. It is covered with a thin skin called prepuce and contains thousands of nerve endings. The prepuce can be pulled back to expose the sensitive glans. During arousal, the clitoris becomes engorged with blood and swells up to twice its normal size which helps increase sensitivity to touch.
Clitoral bulbs: They are the two pairs of bulges situated at either side of the glans. Each pair extends towards the labia minora and become larger when aroused. These bulbs are filled with spongy tissues and contain many blood vessels and nerve endings. When a woman becomes sexually aroused, her clitoris enlarges and swells, becoming firm and hard. This stimulates the vaginal walls and makes them lubricate, making sexual intercourse comfortable.
Vestibular bulbs: They are two small rounded masses at the base of the clitoris on either side of the vagina. They are attached to the pubic bones and extend along it into the body. Vestibular bulbs help create pleasurable sensations from indirect genital stimulation such as rubbing against the partner's pelvis or anal area. In addition, they also assist in urination by providing support to the urethra and bladder.
The internal parts of the clitoris include crura and corpus cavernosum. Crura run parallel to the pubic bones and join together above the vulva. Corpus cavernosum is a sponge-like structure that fills with blood during sexual arousal creating an erection. The clitoris plays a crucial role in female orgasm and can be stimulated through direct contact during foreplay or masturbation. It has been shown that women who receive frequent clitoral stimulation achieve better orgasms than those who don't.
In conclusion, the clitoris is a highly sensitive organ located near the entrance of the vagina. Its main function is to provide pleasure during sexual intercourse but also assists in other activities such as urination. Women should explore their own bodies and learn what kind of touch or pressure feels best for them to maximize enjoyment.