Which tissue forms the clitoral crus?

Which tissue forms the clitoral crus?

• A. adipose tissue
• B. tunica albuginea
• C. corpus cavernosum
• D. corpus spongiosum

Answer: (C)

The clitoral crura are formed by erectile tissue, specifically the corpus cavernosum. Each crus is the proximal part of one of the corpora cavernosa that extends from the body of the clitoris toward the ischiopubic ramus, anchoring the organ to the pubic bones. During arousal, the corpora cavernosa fill with blood and become tumescent, with the tunica albuginea around them helping to trap blood and produce erection. Adipose tissue would not form erectile structures. The tunica albuginea is the fibrous capsule surrounding the erectile tissue, not the tissue itself that constructs the crura. The corpus spongiosum forms another erectile structure (ventral in the penis and related to the vestibular bulbs in females), not the crura of the clitoris.

The clitoral crura are formed by erectile tissue, specifically the corpus cavernosum. Each crus is the proximal part of one of the corpora cavernosa that extends from the body of the clitoris toward the ischiopubic ramus, anchoring the organ to the pubic bones. During arousal, the corpora cavernosa fill with blood and become tumescent, with the tunica albuginea around them helping to trap blood and produce erection. Adipose tissue would not form erectile structures. The tunica albuginea is the fibrous capsule surrounding the erectile tissue, not the tissue itself that constructs the crura. The corpus spongiosum forms another erectile structure (ventral in the penis and related to the vestibular bulbs in females), not the crura of the clitoris.