D-62 Clitoris (H&E)

The clitoris is the anatomical homologue of the more highly developed penis, above. Although it is part of the female reproductive system it seems useful to examine it in the same session as its male counterpart.

Hold the slide up to the light. The orientation may be somewhat confusing. The clitoris has been sectioned obliquely; more longitudinally than transversely and sort of parallel to the overlying skin. The apical end of the organ is to the left in the picture above. A fold of skin over the clitoris forms a "hood" homologous to the foreskin of the penis. This is why the epithelium seems to be located so far from the erectile tissue.

The clitoris is composed of only two columns of erectile tissue. These are homologous to the corpora cavernosa of the male penis but have the general architecture and erectile capabilities of the corpus spongiosum. Note the small, but abundant, cavernous sinuses and the relatively thin tunica albuginea, surrounding and separating the two columns of erectile tissue. The urethra does not run in the clitoris. It reaches the surface behind the organ .

Use the back button get return to the female reproductive system