What is the Vulva?
The vulva includes the outer labia (outer lips or labia majora), the inner labia (labia minora) and the vestibule (entrance to the vagina before the hymen). The vagina itself is just inside the hymen ring. Although some women refer to the genital area as the “vaginal area”, the vagina is really only the area deep inside the hymen. There is a lot going on in the vulvar area: the clitoris plays a role in sexual satisfaction and orgasm; the urethra, found below the clitoris, is where urine is passed, and; below the urethra is the hymen which is the doorway to the vagina. Between the opening to the vagina (vestibule) and the anus is the perineum muscle bridge. The outer labia are usually covered with hair, while the inner labia have none. Sometimes the inner labia are large and protrude beyond the outer labia. The top part above the clitoris and below the bikini line is the mons pubis which acts as cushioning during intercourse. The hymen is the ring of tissue at the entrance to the vagina tube which is usually closed until puberty and then opens with time due to movement and activity, (like running, cycling and playing). It is most often already open before you ever have intercourse, although it may be a little tight or narrow causing pain when having vaginal sex for the first time. Sometimes the hymen is only partially open and opens a little further during sex for the first few times resulting in bleeding. With so many functions, and with the varied skin types and tissues together in one area, care is needed to protect the skin and to avoid irritation and infection, especially during sex and exercise.
What is the clitoris?
The clitoris is a nerve-dense body part responsible for orgasms. The clitoris has the most nerve endings per square inch of any part of the human body. Actually, the clitoris serves no biological function other than pleasure. But that doesn’t mean it’s an unimportant structure.
Pleasure is a human need and certainly helps with procreation!!
Where is the clitoris, exactly?
Good question!
The most common answer to this question is: The external part of clitoris that we can all identify is above the urethra where the two labia join. And while that’s part of the clitoris, that’s only the external portion. There are actually external and internal components to the clitoris.
On the outside of the body, you can find the glans of the clit, usually covered by a nifty hood that protects it from too much stimulation. Inside the body, the clitoris has a whole hidden structure!!! It has legs (or crura) and vestibular bulbs that wrap around the vagina and are made up of erectile tissue tissue that expands when sexually aroused.
THE CLIT ≠ A MINIATURE PENIS
It’s true that there are anatomical similarities between penises and clits. However, the idea that a clit is just a pearl-sized penis is inaccurate.
In that regard, you don’t want to only touch the parts of the clit you can see the way you might touch a penis. Instead, assuming you or your vulva-having partner consent to it, you want to try stimulating the clit through internal play.
Re-cap: Clitoral anatomy 101
Knowing every part of your clitoris is kind of like putting together a unique outfit.
Each part of the body and the makeup below is different. Still, they all have the same parts:
• Glans clitoris. This is the external nub many folks think of when picturing the clitoris. Even though it’s ‘the size of a pea,’ it holds thousands of nerve endings.
• Clitoral hood. We all like a good hoodie, and the clitoris is no different. The labia minora connect to form the clitoral hood. When you’re aroused, the hood retracts slightly to expose the glans.
• Clitoral body. The clitoral body is internal. It connects to the glans and is suspended from the pubic bone via a ligament.
• Corpora cavernosa. The clitoral body consists of two corpora cavernosa that become erect during arousal.
• Paired crura. The clitoral body branches off to form two appendages. These “legs” straddle the urethra and the vaginal canal and become enlarged with blood when you’re turned on.
• Vestibular bulbs. The vestibular bulbs form an upside-down heart shape, with the urethra and the vaginal canal at the heart’s cleavage. The bulbs reach through and behind the labia, around the vaginal canal, and toward the anus. They also swell when you’re hot and bothered.
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