The sole purpose of the clitoris is pleasure.

Yes, you read that correctly. 

This organ is a sexual powerhouse — small but mighty. It plays a vital role in pleasure for people with vaginas. And when it comes to clitoris anatomy, there’s more going on under the hood than you might think.

What does the clitoris do?

The purpose of the clitoris is to add pleasure to sexual experiences. It’s packed with over 10,000 nerve endings, making it an extremely sensitive but key player in the bedroom. Many (if not most) people require clitoral sexual stimulation to reach orgasm, whether it’s direct or indirect. 

But because its sole function is to make you feel good, science often overlooks the clitoris. Researchers don’t know nearly enough about it as they know about the penis because its function has made them too uncomfortable to discuss it (yes, that’s really true). Luckily, a groundbreaking study from the 1990s showed us what it really looks like — and it’s beautiful.

About the clitoris location and anatomy

Similar to an iceberg, the anatomy of the clitoris lies beyond what you can see. It extends beneath the vulva and branches out internally. While you're likely familiar with the small external portion of the clitoris, called the glans, it extends deeper inside the body in a wishbone shape. 

This clitoris diagram shows the bigger picture:

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

This sexual organ is divided into two main parts: external (what you can see) and internal (what you can’t). These parts have distinct structures that work together to provide pleasurable sensations. Here’s what they contain:

External 

• Glans clitoris: This pea-sized nub is what most people think of when they hear the word "clitoris." It's visible at the top of the vulva.

• Clitoral hood: This skin fold is a protective cover for the glans clitoris. It shields the clit from too much direct contact and is part of the labia minora.

Internal 

• Corpora: The corpora is the body of the clitoris that lies behind the glans. These sponge-like cylinders of erectile tissues become engorged with blood during sexual arousal. 

• Crura: The crura, or clitoral body, is made up of two arms surrounding the vaginal canal and urethra, extending 5–9 centimeters into the pelvis from the corpora. They're also made of erectile clitoral tissue. 

• Vestibular bulbs: The bulbs of the clitoris are located along the line of the labia minora. They swell upon arousal and can even double in size.

• Root: Situated where the legs of the crura meet, the root of the clitoris is where all the nerve endings come together. The back of the root is near the urethra. 

What does the clitoris look like? 

As you can tell from the diagram above, clitoral anatomy is way more intricate than it seems at a glance. You can see the glans clitoris at the top of the labia majora, just above the urethral opening. It's nestled safely underneath the clitoral hood, with the rest of the clitoris extending into the body (which you can’t see). 

But beyond that, everyone’s clit looks different — whether that’s the color, size, and shape of the glans and hood. While some people have a more pronounced clitoral hood, others have a more exposed glans clitoris. There’s no such thing as a “standard” or “ideal” clit. 

If you aren’t familiar with what the clit looks like, try exploring some images — as long as you feel comfortable doing so. Browse galleries from body-positive organizations All Vulvas Are Beautiful or The Labia Gallery to see just how unique (and gorgeous) they are.

How large can the clitoris be?

Because the clitoris hides beneath the surface, it’s hard to tell its actual size. The average glans clitoris measures approximately 0.09 to 0.17 inches wide and 0.15 to 0.26 inches long. But when it comes to the entire structure, the clitoris can extend up to five inches inside the body. 

Just as the clitoris varies in appearance, it also differs significantly in size. Genetics and hormonal differences can affect how big your clit is, and it also swells up to 300% during arousal — similar to how the penis becomes erect. But the size of someone's genitals doesn't necessarily dictate sensitivity, pleasure levels, or preferences. 

What is the clitoris made of?

The clitoris has one purpose: to optimize sexual pleasure. And to do its job, it’s made of so many sensitizing nerve endings. 

The clit has three main nerves, or categories of nerves. Here’s more about each one: 

• Dorsal nerve: This is the main nerve responsible for clitoral sensation, and it’s actually the same one that supplies pleasure to the penis. The dorsal nerve is much smaller in people with vaginas, and it’s symmetrical, with a tube-like structure that runs on either side of the clitoral shaft. 

• Portions of your pudendal nerve: This is a major pelvic nerve. Its essential job is sending pleasurable sensations to the brain from the genitals and anus. The dorsal nerve is one of its branches. 

• Cavernous nerves: These nerves run deep beneath the surface of the skin and are essential during arousal, contributing to clitoral erection.

How to stimulate the clitoris 

Learning what kind of clitoral stimulation feels good is an important (and exciting) part of self-discovery. Everyone's preferences for masturbating vary, so this journey is all about exploring and understanding your body. 

If you’re ready to explore your clit, or just learn more about it, here are a few steps to follow: 

• Get comfy and set the mood: Choose a safe, distraction-free space. Dim the lights, put a calming playlist on, or light some candles to relax your mind and help you think sexy thoughts. 

• Go with a guide: If you aren’t sure where to start, watching or listening to a guided masturbation session can ease the pressure.

• Start touching around the clitoris: Pay attention to the areas around the clitoris before diving right in. Caress the mons pubis, inner thighs, or another erogenous zone to boost blood flow and anticipation.

• Gently stroke or touch the clitoris: The clitoris is sensitive, so start gently by lightly touching the hood and, if it feels good, moving to the clitoris itself. Note how your body is reacting and what feels good or overwhelming. If you’re with a partner, the lips and tongue are great (and gentle) ways to stimulate the clit. 

• Take your time and explore: Don’t neglect the areas surrounding the glans clitoris. Remember, there are nerves beneath the surface that you can’t even see. Take your time and try alternating between touching different areas.

• Experiment with pressure and speed: Pleasure isn't one-size-fits-all. Try soft and slow strokes, a firmer touch, or quicker movements. A vibrator can be a game-changer if you’re looking for something fast. 

• Consider using lubricant: Using the right lube is key to keeping things soft and slippery, as long as it's compatible with your contraceptive and sex toys. Lube reduces friction, making the experience smoother and more pleasurable.

• Explore inside the vagina: The internal parts of the clitoris can be stimulated too. Whether you're using fingers, toys, or even a penis, the combination of external stimulation and vaginal penetration can intensify your orgasm. Consider including your G-spot to ramp up the pleasure even more.

How to take care of your clit

Like the rest of your anatomy, you have to take care of your clit. Prioritize its health by practicing good hygiene and mitigating potential risks, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here are a few essential tips for taking great care of your clitoris:

• Get regular checkups: Book regular gynecology checkups to stay on top of your sexual health. Discussing your habits with a professional lets ask questions and identify concerns early on. 

• Use condoms or dental dams during sex: Condoms are essential for contraception, and they also play a crucial role in protecting your clitoris from infections. Barrier methods reduce the risk of transmitting or receiving harmful bacteria. 

• Get tested for STIs: Be proactive about your STI status. Some don't immediately present with symptoms, so get tested regularly to protect yourself and your sexual partners. 

Explore your body with Quinn 

Quinn is all about helping you learn what feels good. Discovering how to stimulate your clitoris to achieve sexual arousal and orgasm is an exciting way to boost your solo and partnered sex life — not to mention your confidence. 

Quinn's audio erotica app, designed by women for everyone, will help you learn about your sexual needs, fantasies, and even kinks. To access thousands of audio stories and guided masturbation sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.