The female corpus spongiosum revisited

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Histology
• Urology

Background:

• The anterior extent of the female corpus spongiosum is debated.
• The pars intermedia, an anterior continuation of the vestibular bulbs, is not universally accepted as part of the female corpus spongiosum.
• Some literature disputes the existence of this structure in females.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve the controversy regarding the female corpus spongiosum's anatomy.
• To investigate the anterior continuation of the vestibular bulbs and its relation to the corpus spongiosum.
• To establish anatomical homology between male and female urogenital structures.

Main Methods:

• Anatomical and histological studies were conducted on female corpus spongiosum specimens.
• Specimens were sourced from female-to-male transsexual surgical patients and fresh female cadavers.
• Comparative analysis was performed with surgically amputated penises to confirm anatomical similarities.

Main Results:

• The female corpus spongiosum extends anteriorly from the bilateral vestibular bulbs.
• It terminates in the glans clitoridis, which is composed of spongious tissue.
• The corpus spongiosum shows hypertrophy in hormonally treated female-to-male transsexuals.
• Vulvar anatomy is homologous to male anatomy.

Conclusions:

• The female corpus spongiosum is anatomically confirmed to extend anteriorly to the glans clitoridis.
• The glans clitoridis contains spongious tissue, similar to the male glans penis.
• Hormonal treatment in female-to-male transsexuals leads to spongiosum hypertrophy.
• The female vulvar anatomy is homologous to the male penis.