The clitoral crura (singular: clitoral crux) are two
erectile tissue Erectile tissue is tissue in the body with numerous vascular spaces, or cavernous tissue, that may become engorged with blood. However, tissue that is devoid of or otherwise lacking erectile tissue (such as the labia minora, the vestibule/vagina an ...
structures, which together form a V-shape. ''Crus'' is a Latin word that means "leg". Each "leg" of the ''V'' converges on the
clitoral body. At each divergent point is a
corpus cavernosum of clitoris
The corpus cavernosum of clitoris is one of a pair of sponge-like regions of erectile tissue of the clitoris in women. It is made of a sponge-like tissue that fills with blood during clitoral erection. This is homologous to the corpus cavernosum ...
. The crura are attached to the
pubic arch
The pubic arch, also referred to as the ''ischiopubic arch'', is part of the pelvis. It is formed by the convergence of the inferior rami of the ischium and pubis on either side, below the pubic symphysis. The angle at which they converge is kno ...
, and are adjacent to the
vestibular bulbs
In female anatomy, the vestibular bulbs, bulbs of the vestibule or clitoral bulbs are two elongated masses of erectile tissue typically described as being situated on either side of the vaginal opening. They are united to each other in front by a ...
. The crura flank the
urethra
The urethra (from Greek οὐρήθρα – ''ourḗthrā'') is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the urinary meatus for the removal of urine from the body of both females and males. In human females and other primates, the urethra con ...
,
urethral sponge
The urethral sponge is a spongy cushion of tissue, found in the lower genital area of females, that sits against both the pubic bone and vaginal wall, and surrounds the urethra.
Functions
The urethral sponge is composed of erectile tissue; d ...
, and
vagina
In mammals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. In humans, it extends from the vestibule to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen ...
and extend back toward the
pubis. Each clitoral crus connects to the
rami of the pubis and the
.
During
sexual arousal
Sexual arousal (also known as sexual excitement) describes the physiological and psychological responses in preparation for sexual intercourse or when exposed to sexual stimuli. A number of physiological responses occur in the body and mind as ...
, the crura become engorged with blood, as does all of the erectile tissue of the clitoris.
The clitoral crura are each covered by an
ischiocavernosus muscle
The ischiocavernosus muscle (erectores penis ''or'' erector clitoridis in older texts) is a muscle just below the surface of the perineum, present in both men and women.
Structure
It arises by tendinous and fleshy fibers from the inner surface o ...
.
See also
*
Crus of penis
For their anterior three-fourths the corpora cavernosa penis lie in intimate apposition with one another, but behind they diverge in the form of two tapering processes, known as the crura, which are firmly connected to the ischial rami.
Traced ...
References
External links
* - "The Female Perineum: The Clitoris"
{{DEFAULTSORT:Clitoral Crura
Clitoris