Abstract Introduction As its embryologically homologous organ the penis, the clitoris has a glans, a body and two crura. Other compartments, such as the bulbs or the structures connecting them to the clitoral body and glans, have been understudied are object of unsolved scientific controversies. Understanding which vascular compartments of the clitoris are interconnected and how they communicate with each other is clinically and surgically important. It can inform the understanding of arousal and orgasm function and dysfunctions, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Lack of knowledge on the clitoris contributes to the propagation of misunderstanding, incorrect information and representation of this organ, eventually impacting patient outcomes and global sexual health and well-being. Determining the 3D structure of the human clitoris with cellular and molecular accuracy is necessary to address questions regarding sexual function and dysfunction. Objective This project was designed to establish the functional vascular architecture of the clitoris, i.e. the anatomical and histological basis of its erectile function. The objective was to investigate the vascular relationship between the different compartments of the clitoris, specifically the bulbs and the area connecting them to the glans and body, as well as their cellular and molecular composition. Methods We combined cadaveric anatomical dissection, immunostaining and innovative large-scale tissue clearing techniques, optimized to study the 3D structure of human clitoral tissue. Results For the first time, reconstruction and tracing of the vessels of a cleared clitoris provided us with a detailed 3D mapping of the vascular networks connecting the bulbs to the glans and body of the clitoris. Through immunostaining, we gained new insight on their cellular and molecular composition, thus contributing to better understanding of their function in clitoral erection during peripheral sexual response. Conclusions Altogether, our data provides a detailed, functionally-relevant 3D histological map of clitoral vascular networks which can serve as a reference in clinical and educational settings. Disclosure No
Badré et al. (Mon,) studied this question.