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[[File:Clitoris Anatomy.svg|thumb|The internal anatomy of the human [[vulva]], with the [[clitoral hood]] and [[labia minora]] indicated as lines. Winkelmann(1959) said, " that the clitoris possesses the most dense nerve supply of any region of the skin, with numerous mucocutaneous end-organs and closely set networks of nerves." He classified the clitoris as a "specific erogenous zone".<ref name="winklemann1959">{{WinkelmannRK 1959}}</ref> The clitoris extends from the visible portion to a point below the pubic bone.]]The '''clitoris''' is a female sex organ present in mammals, ostriches and a limited number of other animals. In humans, the visible portion – the glans – is at the front junction of the [[labia minora]] (inner lips), above the opening of the [[urethra]]. Unlike the [[penis]], the male homologue (equivalent) to the clitoris, it usually does not contain the distal portion (or opening) of the [[urethra ]] and is therefore not used for [[urination]]. In most species, the clitoris lacks any reproductive function. While few animals urinate through the clitoris or use it reproductively, the spotted hyena, which has an especially large clitoris, urinates, mates, and gives birth via the organ. Some other mammals, such as lemurs and spider monkeys, also have a large clitoris.<ref name=WP>{{URLwikipedia|Clitoris|Clitoris|2021-11-24}}</ref><ref>{{REFbook
|last=Goodman
|first=S.
|title=Handbook of the Mammals of the World. 1: Carnivores
|publisher=Lynx Edicions
|isbnISBN=978-84-96553-49-1
}}</ref><ref>{{REFbook
|last=Roughgarden
|url=https://archive.org/details/evolutionsrainbo00roug/page/37
|pages=37-40
|publisher={{UNI|University of California |UCSF}} Press |isbnISBN=978-0-520-24073-5
}}</ref><ref>{{REFbook
|last=Wingfield
|edition=2
|publisher=Gulf Professional Publishing
|isbnISBN=978-0-12-515402-4
}}</ref>
[[File:Clitoris glans - detailed.jpg|thumb|Location of (1) [[clitoral hood]] and (2) [[clitoral glans]]]]
==Sexual function==
The clitoris is the human female's most sensitive erogenous zone and generally the primary anatomical source of human female sexual pleasure.<ref>{{REFbook
|last=Rodgers
|pages=92-93
|publisher=Macmillan
|isbnISBN=978-0805072815
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
|last=O'Connell
|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning
|page=95
|isbnISBN=978-0-7637-7660-2
}}</ref><ref>{{REFbook
|last=Weiten
|title=Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st century
|publisher=Cengage Learning
|isbnISBN=978-1-111-18663-0
|page=386
}}</ref><ref name="Caroll2012">{{REFbook
|title=Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity
|publisher=Cengage Learning
|isbnISBN=978-1-111-83581-1
|pages=110–111, 252
}}</ref> In humans and other mammals, it develops from an outgrowth in the embryo called the genital tubercle. Initially undifferentiated, the tubercle develops into either a [[penis ]] or a clitoris during the development of the reproductive system depending on exposure to androgens (which are primarily male hormones). The clitoris is a complex structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The glans (head) of the human clitoris is roughly the size and shape of a pea and is estimated to have about 8,000 sensory nerve endings.<ref name=WP/><ref name="Caroll2012"/> ==Video==<br><youtube>v=00_l275CHqc</youtube>
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Clitoral hood]]
* [[Sex Education: the missing chapter]]
* [[Vagina]]
{{REF}}
[[Category:TermEducation]][[Category:Medical term]][[Category:Female sexuality]] [[de:Klitoris]]