Glans

The glans (Latin for "acorn") is a structure internally composed of corpus spongiosum in males or of corpus cavernosa and vestibular tissue in females that is located at the tip of homologous genital structures involved in sexual arousal.

Structure

The exterior structure of the glans consists of mucous membrane, which is usually covered by foreskin or clitoral hood in naturally developed genitalia. This covering, called the prepuce, is normally retractable in adulthood.

The glans naturally joins with the inner labia, and the frenulum of the penis or clitoris. In non-technical or sexual discussions, often the word "clitoris" refers to the external glans alone, excluding the clitoral hood, frenulum, and internal body of the clitoris.

An anatomical variant of glans is shown: Hirsuties papillaris genitalis

• Glans penis with Hirsuties papillaris penis
  Glans penis with Hirsuties papillaris penis
• Ventral view of glans penis
  Ventral view of glans penis

Gender differences

In males the glans is known as the glans penis, while in females the glans is known as the glans clitoridis.

In females, the clitoris is above the urethra. This organ was once thought to serve no function other than sexual arousal, but research is beginning to prove otherwise. The glans of the clitoris is the most highly innervated part.

Development

In the development of the urinary and reproductive organs, the glans is derived from the genital tubercle.