This article, and Susie's contribution supports what I have taught for years concerning the clitoris. It began when patients started to question why the inner tops of the thighs and the area of the anus - such a 'fundamental' area - were so sensitive. Not being one to be stumped for lack of an answer I did research on the issue.
It was clear from this research that what we regard and name as the clitoris is but a small part of a much larger structure and is better described as the glans clitoris, the only visible part of the clitoris, forming, like an iceberg, but a small part of the clitoris proper, the greater majority being 'submerged' in the pelvis.
In fact the clitoris is a large bundle of nerves and muscle, dividing internally into two parts which pass first of all either side of the vaginal introitus. In sexual excitement these structures erect, the muscles within them contract around the introitus and thus tighten it, usually rythmically.
Two further branches then appear, located internally at the bottom of the vulva, passing into the inner tops of the thighs in the area well described as the crease between the thighs and the buttocks. From there they pass either side of the anus, pointing back, under erectile conditions, toward the spine and thus into the spinal cord. The link provided does not particularly highlight this latter fact but it must be so for the nerve signals to reach the brain, the only place where the signals can be interpreted as pleasure! Again it must be pointed out that the anus contracts and relaxes alternately in sexual excitement as these branches similarly erect and contract.
It explains why the anus and the inner thighs are sensitive to touch and why such things as anal orgasms can result.
Having found out the true nature and extent of the clitoris I started to ask patients to define for me what the clitoris was and where it was located. Unsurprisingly, everyone told me that it was that sensitive little round thing at the top of the vulva. It was unsurprising because in the anatomical drawings available to the public that is where the arrow pointed to and that is where male partners are told to concentrate on. Sometimes the concentration on this area is counterproductive in that direct stimulation is too acute and may indeed be painful.
I explain to my patients exactly what the structure looks like and what it is capable of. Invariably this explanation intrigues them. They become more aware of what to expect from stimulation at these other places and there is a marked increase in orgasmic response.
It follows therefore that advice should be given to generalise stimulation in all the areas where the clitoris proper lies under the surface. This includes not only the glans clitoris under its hood but the vaginal introitus, the outer labia, the inner thigh creases and the anus too.