Anatomical Relationship Between Urethra and Clitoris

Abstract

A series of detailed dissections suggest that current anatomical descriptions of female human urethral and genital anatomy are inaccurate.

The suspensory ligament of the clitoris: Connective tissue supports of the erectile tissues of the female urogenital region

“…The pattern of ligamentous support, however, did not seem to vary. In our broader study, investigating clitoral anatomy by O'Connell et al (1998), there were very obvious age-related changes, particularly in the dimensions of the erectile tissue. Although not apparent in this study, age related changes might also occur in clitoral support tissue.…”

“…In studies by Milley and Nichols (1970), the clitoris has clearly been excised in diagrams of the pubo-urethral ligaments to display the anatomy of the urethral supports. No reference to this excised tissue was made, nor is there any mention of the extensive relationship between the clitoral body and the urethra that has been described in studies by O'Connell et al (1998). We have observed the same omission in the study by Zacharin (1963).…”

“…In light of our recent clarification of clitoral erectile anatomy, described in studies by O'Connell et al (1998), specific study of its supporting anatomy is warranted. Thus, we aimed to describe and illustrate the connective tissue supporting structures of the clitoris.…”

Basics of Vulval Embryology, Anatomy and Physiology

“…There are no sebaceous, apocrine or sweat glands present. There has been poor one-dimensional presentation of clitoral anatomy in textbooks (O'Connell et al 1998). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to investigate clitoral function and has complemented the results of anatomical dissection studies (O'Connell & Delancey 2005, Yang et al 2006.…”

Reply to: The Gräfenberg spot (G-spot) does not exist – a rebuttal of Dwyer PL: Skene’s gland revisited: function, dysfunction and the G spot

“…I quote: "The bulbs, body and crura formed an erectile tissue cluster, namely the clitoris. In turn, the clitoris partially surrounded the urethra and vagina, forming a consistently observed tissue complex" [3,4]. Dr Puppo correctly states that the "G-spot is not a term used in human anatomy".…”