Anatomy of the clitoris: the corona of the glans clitoris, clitoral coronal papillae, and the coronopreputial frenulum

Abstract

The corona of the glans clitoris is a clinically important yet poorly understood anatomical structure. There has been longstanding confusion regarding the prevalence of the corona of the glans clitoris and, moreover, its very existence. Therefore, this anatomical study assesses the prevalence of the corona of the glans clitoris and the gross anatomy of the proximal glans clitoris. Anatomy was assessed in 104 female donor bodies ranging in age from 50 to 102 years with an average age-at-death of 78.1±10.9 years (mean±SD). All clitorises (100%; 104:104 dorsums and 100%; 208:208 sides) were found to have a well-defined clitoral corona. Three of 104 (2.9%) coronas possessed grossly visible, outward-projecting, bluntly rounded papillae. Some donors possessed a coronopreputial frenulum. Clitoropreputial adhesions were common and associated with clitoral pearls. Clitoral pearls were identified in 37.8% (14:37) of unembalmed donors and observed to create clitoral craters, structural deformations in the surface of the corona and glans. The results of this study suggest that the corona of the glans clitoris is a ubiquitous anatomical structure. The clitoral coronal papillae and coronopreputial frenulum are novel, previously undescribed, anatomical structures. This study identifies that the corona of the glans clitoris is prone to pathological processes such as clitoral pearl formation and clitoral deformation. In addition to novel anatomical findings, the results of this study call attention to the need for life-long clitoral examinations. Furthermore, the corona of the glans clitoris should be regularly included in anatomical texts and accurately depicted in anatomical illustrations.