(050) Naming What We See: The Case for Defining the Clitoral Corona

Abstract Introduction The clitoris is a homologous structure to the penis; the glans of the penis corresponds to the glans of the clitoris, and the penile foreskin corresponds to the clitoral prepuce. A recent publication by redacted “formally introduced” the clitoral corona, a ridge of tissue analogous to the penile corona, that demarcates the glans from the body of the clitoris. However, the term clitoral corona is not recognized in the medical literature. Current anatomic consensus, as established by the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Pelvic Anatomy group, identifies the clitoris as the glans, body, crura, and vestibular bulbs. Updating anatomic standards requires both new research and formal revision of the Terminologia Anatomica. In a sexual medicine clinic, the clitoral corona is used as an important landmark during both routine vulvar and clitoral examinations, as well as during lysis of clitoral adhesion procedures. Objective To evaluate the presence or absence of a distinct corona around the clitoral glans in photographs obtained during clinical care. Methods Patient charts were reviewed from a private sexual medicine clinic for individuals who underwent lysis of clitoral adhesions between 2022 and 2025. Of 127 identified patients, 100 de-identified post-procedure photographs were collected. Images were reviewed by three trained sexual-medicine physicians and four medical assistants, all of whom received standardized instruction on clitoral anatomy and the definition of the clitoral corona, including reference examples. Reviewers were asked to identify and highlight the area corresponding to the clitoral corona. Results Preliminary findings demonstrate consistent evidence of a clitoral corona, both in photographic analysis and among trained sexual medicine providers who routinely examine and treat the clitoris. Although data collection is ongoing, reviewers independently identified the same anatomic region corresponding to the clitoral corona in the majority of photographs. Conclusions Precise understanding of clitoral anatomy and terminology is essential for clinical, surgical, and research applications. While the corona of the clitoris is not yet a validated anatomical term, our findings support its recognition as a consistent anatomical feature and as the homologous structure to the penile corona. Continued investigation and dialogue among anatomists are necessary to refine anatomic nomenclature and advance understanding of clitoral morphology. Disclosure No.