Clitoris

The clitoris is a small projection at the front of the vulva between the labia minor. Although most of it is embedded in surrounding tissues, it is usually about 2 cm long and 0.5 cm in diameter. The clitoris corresponds to the penis in the male and is somewhat similar in structure. It is composed of two columns of erectile tissue, which are separated by a septum and are surrounded by a covering of dense, fibrous connective tissue. At the root of the clitoris, the columns of tissue diverge to form "crura," which in turn are attached to the sides of the pubic arch. At the front, a small mass of erectile tissue forms a "glans," which is richly supplied with sensory nerve fibers.