Clitoral Crura: Anatomy, Location, and Sexual Function

They extend backward inside the pelvis, one on each side of the vaginal opening and urethral area. During sexual arousal, they fill with blood and enlarge.

The crura help explain why the clitoris is much larger than the small external part that can usually be seen.

• clitoral, meaning related to the clitoris;
• crura, the Latin plural of crus, meaning leg or branch.

The singular and plural forms are different:

• One clitoral crus lies on each side.
• The paired clitoral crura contain erectile tissue.

The adjective crural may appear in anatomical writing:

• crural tissue;
• crural attachment;
• clitoral crural anatomy.

Common expressions include:

• paired clitoral crura;
• internal clitoral structure;
• engorgement of the crura;
• erectile tissue of the clitoris;
• clitoral roots;
• attachment to the pubic arch.

Its main structures include:

• the glans;
• the body or shaft;
• the paired corpora cavernosa;
• the paired crura;
• surrounding nerves and blood vessels.

The visible glans is only a relatively small part of the complete organ.

The clitoral body extends inward and then divides into the two crura. Each crus travels backward along the pelvic bones.

They extend along the lower branches of the pubic bones and are positioned on either side of the vaginal opening.

They are close to, but anatomically distinct from:

• the vestibular bulbs;
• the urethra;
• the vaginal canal;
• pelvic-floor muscles;
• nearby blood vessels and nerves.

Because they are internal, the crura usually cannot be seen during an ordinary external examination.

This tissue includes:

• vascular spaces;
• smooth muscle;
• connective tissue;
• arteries;
• veins;
• nerves.

During arousal, smooth muscle relaxes and blood enters the erectile spaces. This causes the crura to become fuller and firmer.

They do not become externally rigid in the same way as a penile erection, but their enlargement contributes to the broader clitoral response.

The relationship can be understood as follows:

1. the clitoral body extends internally;
2. it divides into two branches;
3. these branches become the clitoral crura;
4. each crus attaches along the pubic arch.

The crura are therefore not separate glands or isolated organs. They are parts of the larger erectile structure of the clitoris.

Clitoral Crura

• extend backward from the clitoral body;
• lie along the pubic arch;
• contain corpora-cavernosa-type erectile tissue;
• form part of the internal clitoris.

Vestibular Bulbs

• lie closer to the vaginal opening;
• extend along the sides of the vaginal vestibule;
• become engorged during arousal;
• contribute to vulvar fullness and narrowing around the vaginal entrance.

These structures are close together and work as part of the wider genital erectile system, but they should not be treated as identical.

Possible changes include:

• enlargement of the glans;
• swelling of the clitoral body;
• engorgement of the crura;
• expansion of the vestibular bulbs;
• increased genital sensitivity;
• greater fullness around the vulva.

The crura may respond to both direct and indirect stimulation.

Their position means that pressure involving the vulva, vaginal walls, pelvic floor, or nearby tissues may sometimes contribute to clitoral sensation.

Possible sources of indirect stimulation include:

• rubbing of the vulva;
• pressure around the pubic area;
• movement of the labia;
• vaginal penetration;
• pelvic-floor contractions;
• use of a vibrator;
• body-to-body contact.

Individual responses vary greatly. Some people prefer direct glans stimulation, while others find broader pressure or indirect stimulation more comfortable.

There is no single correct method of clitoral stimulation.

During orgasm, the clitoral crura may participate through:

• continued blood engorgement;
• rhythmic pelvic-floor contractions;
• nerve signaling;
• pressure changes in nearby erectile tissues.

Orgasm also involves the brain, spinal cord, pelvic nerves, emotions, muscles, and other genital structures.

The crura are important anatomical components, but orgasm cannot be explained by one structure alone.

Nerve supply includes autonomic pathways that help regulate blood flow and sensory pathways associated with touch, pressure, pain, and sexual pleasure.

Injury to pelvic nerves, blood vessels, or nearby tissues may affect:

• sensitivity;
• arousal;
• swelling;
• pain;
• orgasmic response.

However, changes in sexual function can have many possible causes and are not always due to direct damage to the crura.

• detailed anatomical examination;
• ultrasound;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• surgical observation;
• specialized pelvic imaging.

Routine imaging is not normally required in people without symptoms.

Medical assessment may be considered when there is:

• persistent clitoral or pelvic pain;
• a mass;
• trauma;
• surgical planning;
• congenital anatomical variation;
• unexplained sexual dysfunction.

Potential risks may include:

• nerve injury;
• bleeding;
• scar tissue;
• altered sensation;
• chronic pain;
• changes in erectile response.

Intersex surgery, genital reconstruction, trauma, or gender-affirming procedures may also affect clitoral anatomy depending on the person’s body and treatment history.

Surgery near the clitoris should carefully preserve nerves, blood vessels, erectile tissue, sensation, and function whenever possible.

• pelvic-floor tension;
• nerve irritation;
• infection;
• inflammation;
• injury;
• scar tissue;
• prolonged pressure;
• hormonal changes;
• skin conditions.

Because the crura are internal, discomfort may feel deep, diffuse, or difficult to locate.

Persistent pain, numbness, swelling, or sudden changes in sensation should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

• a woman;
• a man;
• nonbinary;
• transgender;
• cisgender;
• intersex;
• another gender.

The presence of clitoral anatomy does not determine gender identity or sexual orientation.

Healthcare should focus on the anatomy present, the person’s symptoms, and their preferred language.

There is only one clitoral crus.
No. There are normally two, and together they are called the clitoral crura.

The clitoral crura are the same as the vestibular bulbs.
No. They are separate paired erectile structures.

The crura can always be directly touched through the skin.
No. They are internal and are usually stimulated indirectly.

The crura alone produce orgasm.
No. Orgasm involves the wider clitoris, nerves, muscles, brain, and other bodily responses.

Physical clitoral swelling proves consent.
No. Arousal responses can occur automatically and never replace clear consent.

1. The clitoral crura extend backward along both sides of the pubic arch.
2. Each clitoral crus contains erectile tissue.
3. Do the clitoral crura become engorged during sexual arousal?
4. The crura form an important internal part of the clitoris.
5. The clitoral crura are anatomically distinct from the vestibular bulbs.
6. Pelvic pressure may indirectly stimulate parts of the internal clitoris.
7. Detailed imaging can show the course of the paired clitoral crura.
8. Understanding the clitoral crura helps readers recognize that most clitoral anatomy lies inside the body.

They may contribute to genital fullness, indirect stimulation, pleasurable pressure, and orgasmic response. Sensation depends on the wider clitoral structure, nearby tissues, pelvic nerves, blood flow, muscles, and personal preference.

Understanding the clitoral crura helps people discuss clitoral anatomy and sexual pleasure more accurately while recognizing that arousal responses vary and never equal consent.