Physiological phenomenon involving the engorgement of the clitoris
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.
Clitoral erection (also known asclitoral tumescence orfemale erection)[1][2] is a physiological phenomenon where theclitoris 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 withsexual 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 tonitric oxide's effects on tissues in the clitoris, similar to its role inpenile erection.[4]
The clitoris is thehomolog to thepenis in the male. Similarly, the clitoris and its erection can subtly differ in size.[5]
The visible part of the clitoris, theglans clitoridis, varies in size from a few millimeters to one centimeter and is located at the front junction of thelabia minora (inner lips), above the opening of theurethra. It is covered by theclitoral hood.
Any type of motion can increaseblood flow to this organ and this results in increasedsecretions which lubricate thevagina. There are many ways to stimulate the clitoris.
Clitoral erection occurs when thecorpora cavernosa, two expandableerectile structures, become engorged with blood. This may result from any of variousphysiological stimuli, includingsexual arousal. During sexual arousal, arterial blood flow to the clitoris is increased, and trabecularsmooth muscle within the clitoris relaxes allowing blood to engorge the erectile tissues. Theischiocavernosus andbulbospongiosus 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 theendothelium-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 becomestumescent 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 enhancessensitivity to physical contact. After a female hasorgasmed, the erection usually ends, but this may take time.
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]
Amongcapuchin 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]
^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.
^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.ISBN978-1-264-26541-1.
^Hornstein, Theresa; Schwerin, Jeri (1 January 2012).Biology Of Women (5th ed.). Cengage Learning. pp. 62–63 of 816.ISBN978-1-285-40102-7.Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved17 March 2015.
^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.ISSN2050-0521.PMID27784607.
^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
Akkus, E. C.; Carrier, S.; Turzan, C.; Wang, T. N.; Lue, F. (April 1995). "Duplex ultrasonography after prostaglandin E1 injection of the clitoris in a case of hyperreactio luteinalis".The Journal of Urology.153 (4):1237–1238.doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(01)67566-9.ISSN0022-5347.PMID7869513.
Shen, W. U.; Urosevich, Z.; Clayton, D. O. (June 1999). "Sildenafil in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors".The Journal of Reproductive Medicine.44 (6):535–542.ISSN0024-7758.PMID10394548.
.svg)
