Suspensory ligament of clitoris | |
Latin: | ligamentum suspensorium clitoridis and penic |
The suspensory ligament of the clitoris is a fibrous band at the deep fascial level that extends from the pubic symphysis to the deep fascia of the clitoris, anchoring the clitoris to the pubic symphysis.[1] By virtue of this connection, the pubic symphysis supports the clitoris.
The suspensory ligament of the clitoris consistently displays two components: a superficial fibro-fatty structure extending from a broad base within the mons pubis to converge on the body of the clitoris and extending into the labia majora, and a deep component with a narrow origin on the symphysis pubis extending to the body and the bulbs of the clitoris.[2]
Its form and position differ from those of the suspensory ligament of the penis.During sexual arousal, the ligament shortens and swells. This pulls the clitoral shaft in such a way that the glans appears to retract beneath the clitoral hood.