title: Beyond the G-spot: clitourethrovaginal complex anatomy in female orgasm.
abstract: The search for the legendary, highly erogenous vaginal region, the Gräfenberg spot (G-spot), has produced important data, substantially improving understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology of sexual responses in women. Modern imaging techniques have enabled visualization of dynamic interactions of female genitals during self-sexual stimulation or coitus. Although no single structure consistent with a distinct G-spot has been identified, the vagina is not a passive organ but a highly dynamic structure with an active role in sexual arousal and intercourse. The anatomical relationships and dynamic interactions between the clitoris, urethra, and anterior vaginal wall have led to the concept of a clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex, defining a variable, multifaceted morphofunctional area that, when properly stimulated during penetration, could induce orgasmic responses. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the CUV complex might help to avoid damage to its neural, muscular, and vascular components during urological and gynaecological surgical procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Emmanuele A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Jannini
authors.affiliation: Centre d'échographie, 20 rue du Dr Timsit, 78951 Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.
authors.forename: Odile
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Buisson
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Biología, Escuela Preparatoria Regional de Autlán, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rubio-Casillas
mesh_terms: D002987:Clitoris / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009948:Orgasm / Q000502:physiology*; D014521:Urethra / Q000502:physiology*; D014621:Vagina / Q000502:physiology*
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