Glans - Definition and Overview

A glans (literally, Latin for acorn) is a structure internally composed of corpus spongiosum in males or of corpus cavernosa and vestibular tissue in females that is located at the tip of homologous genital structures involved in sexual arousal.

The exterior structure of the glans consists of mucous membrane, which is usually covered by foreskin or clitoral hood in naturally developed genitalia. This covering, called the prepuce, is normally retractable in adulthood.

The glans naturally joins with the inner labia, and the frenulum of the penis or clitoris. In non-technical or sexual discussions, often the word 'clitoris' refers to the external glans alone, excluding the prepuce, frenulum, and internal body of the clitoris.

In males the glans is known as: Glans penis

In females the glans is known as: Glans clitoris