| Corpus cavernosum of clitoris | |
|---|---|
 Internal anatomy ofclitoral body: 1. Trabeculae of corpora cavernosa of clitoris; 2. Cavernous spaces; 3.Dorsal nerve of clitoris; 4.Dorsal artery of clitoris; 5.Superficial dorsal veins of clitoris; 6.Deep dorsal vein of clitoris; 7.Deep artery of clitoris; 8. Skin; 9. Membranous layer of subcutaneous tissue; 10. Clitoralfascia; 11. Tunica albuginea; 12. Septum of clitoris. | |
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| Details | |
| Part of | Clitoris |
| System | Reproductive system |
| Function | Clitoral erection |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | corpus cavernosum clitoridis |
| TA98 | A09.2.02.005 |
| TA2 | 3569 |
| FMA | 20172 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Thecorpus cavernosum of the clitoris is one of a pair of sponge-like regions oferectile tissue that engorge withblood during aclitoral erection. This ishomologous to thecorpus cavernosum of the penis. The termcorpora cavernosa literally means "cave-like bodies".
The two corpora cavernosa are expandable erectile tissues of the clitoris.[1] They are joined together along their medial surfaces by an incomplete fibrousseptum.[2] Each corpus cavernosum is connected to the rami of thepubis andischium by aclitoral crus.[1][3] There is connection to theischiocavernosus muscle.[2] Each can be up to 7 cm long in an adult.[1]
The corpus cavernosum ishomologous to thecorpus cavernosum penis in the male. It develops from thegenital tubercle in theembryo.[1]
The clitoris also has twovestibular bulbs beneath theskin of thelabia minora (at the entrance to thevagina), which expand at the same time as the glans clitoridis to cap the ends of the corpora cavernosa.
The corpus cavernosum is made of a sponge-like tissue. This contains irregular blood-filled spaces, lined byendothelium, and separated byconnective tissuesepta.
The corpora cavernosa fill withblood during arousal.[1] Their size increases 2 fold to 3 fold.[1] In some circumstances, release ofnitric oxide precedes relaxation of the clitoral cavernosal artery and nearbymuscle, in a process similar to maleerection. More blood flows in through the clitoral cavernosalartery, thepressure in the corpora cavernosa clitoridis rises. The clitoris is engorged withblood. This leads to extrusion of theglans clitoridis and enhancedsensitivity to physical contact.
The corpora cavernosa can reduce in size before themenopause.[1] This can impairsexual function in some women.[1]
