Internal Anatomy of Clitoris vs. Internal Anatomy of Penis

Attribute	Internal Anatomy of Clitoris	Internal Anatomy of Penis
Location	Located at the front junction of the labia minora	Located at the base of the pelvis
Size	Small, pea-sized	Varies in size, can be up to 5-7 inches when erect
Erectile Tissue	Contains erectile tissue that becomes engorged with blood during arousal	Contains erectile tissue that becomes engorged with blood during arousal
Nerve Endings	High concentration of nerve endings, sensitive to touch and stimulation	High concentration of nerve endings, sensitive to touch and stimulation
Function	Primary function is sexual pleasure	Primary function is sexual reproduction and urination

Structure

The internal anatomy of the clitoris and penis both have erectile tissue that becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal. The clitoris has two corpora cavernosa that run along the sides of the clitoral body and a corpus spongiosum that surrounds the urethra. The penis also has two corpora cavernosa and a corpus spongiosum, but the corpora cavernosa in the penis are larger and extend further down the shaft. The glans of the clitoris and penis are both highly sensitive and become engorged during sexual stimulation.

Nerve Supply

The clitoris and penis are both highly innervated structures, with a dense network of nerve endings that contribute to sexual pleasure. The clitoris has over 8,000 nerve endings, making it one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. The penis also has a high concentration of nerve endings, particularly in the glans and foreskin. Both structures are connected to the brain through the pudendal nerve, which carries sensory information related to sexual pleasure.

Function

The clitoris and penis both play crucial roles in sexual arousal and pleasure. The clitoris is the primary organ of female sexual pleasure, with its erectile tissue becoming engorged during arousal and contributing to sensations of pleasure. The penis is the male reproductive organ, responsible for delivering sperm into the female reproductive tract during intercourse. Both structures are essential for sexual function and play key roles in the experience of sexual pleasure.

Size and Shape

The clitoris is typically smaller and more compact than the penis, with the visible portion of the clitoris being only a small part of the entire structure. The internal anatomy of the clitoris extends deep into the pelvis, with the clitoral legs wrapping around the vaginal canal. In contrast, the penis is a more external structure, with the majority of its length visible outside the body. The shape of the clitoris and penis reflects their different functions and roles in sexual arousal and reproduction.

Blood Flow

During sexual arousal, both the clitoris and penis rely on increased blood flow to become engorged and erect. The clitoris fills with blood, causing it to swell and become more sensitive to touch. The penis also fills with blood, leading to an erection that allows for penetration during intercourse. The process of engorgement and erection is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood flow to the erectile tissue in both structures.

Role in Sexual Response

Both the clitoris and penis are central to the experience of sexual pleasure and orgasm. Stimulation of the clitoris can lead to intense sensations of pleasure and orgasm in individuals with a clitoris. Similarly, stimulation of the penis can result in arousal, erection, and orgasm in individuals with a penis. The clitoris and penis are key components of the sexual response cycle, contributing to the physical and psychological aspects of sexual pleasure.

Developmental Origin

The clitoris and penis have a common developmental origin in the genital tubercle, a structure that forms during early embryonic development. In individuals with a Y chromosome, the genital tubercle develops into the penis, while in individuals without a Y chromosome, it develops into the clitoris. Despite their different appearances and functions, the clitoris and penis share a common embryonic origin and underlying structure, highlighting the similarities between male and female genital anatomy.