Clitoral Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology Demystified by Imaging

Background: Clitoris is an organ, whose only known function is sexual pleasure. Clinically, clitoris is only partially visible. Therefore medical imaging is important for studying it. Objective: Knowledge of radiologic anatomy and variations of the clitoris is useful for studying female sexual function, understanding it's pathological conditions and planning clitoral surgical interventions. Discussion: Anatomy of clitoris is complex with an external part, including the glans and a body and an internally lying part, the crura, in contact with vestibular bulbs. Ultrasound offers high spatial resolution and possibility of dynamic assessment allowing optimal exploration of the superficial parts of the organ. MRI is the imaging modality of choice for investigating anatomy of the whole organ, including its' deep-lying parts. It has excellent soft tissue contrast and the possibility of imaging in all planes. Conclusion: In this article, are presented imaging methods assessing normal clitoral anatomy and physiology, as well as the main pathological conditions of the organ as assessed by imaging.