Do you speak Clitoris? Here’s a quick course in Clitoral and Vulvar Anatomy.

If you’re like us, you didn’t learn much about clitoral or vulvar anatomy growing up (or in medical school!).

Here’s what we wish we had been taught about the vulva, which is made up of several parts and includes the most magnificent organ: the clitoris.
 

What is the vulva?

The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia. It is made up of several parts: the vaginal opening (sometimes called the vestibule or introitus), the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, vestibular glands (the Bartholin glands and Skene glands), and the clitoris.
 

What does the vulva do?

The vulva has many important functions. The labia majora and labia minora are richly innervated, providing pleasure. The warmth and moisture of the labia help with sexual reproduction. The mons pubis provides cushioning against pubic bone during intercourse. The Bartholin glands lubricate the vagina. The Skene glands (the homolog of the male prostate) lubricate the urethra.

What are the parts of the clitoris?

Many people think the glans is the entire clitoris, since that's the only part that can be seen. But the clitoris extends beneath the skin's surface. The clitoral bulbs and crura make up the bulk of the organ, and fill with blood during arousal. 

The clitoris fills with blood during arousal? That sounds like what the penis does. 

That’s right! Did you know that the clitoris is homologous to the penis? Clitoral erections are something people rarely talk about, but are very real.