Which of the following female sexual organs is made up of nerves and erectile tissue, analogous to the glans of the penis?

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

The clitoris is the correct answer as it is the embryological homologue of the penis.
It is an erectile organ composed of two corpora cavernosa, a glans, and a body.
The clitoris is highly sensitive due to a dense network of nerves, making it the primary organ for female sexual arousal and orgasm.
Unlike the penis, the urethra does not pass through the clitoris.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus. It is composed mainly of fibromuscular and connective tissue, not erectile tissue.
Option B: The labia majora are folds of skin and adipose tissue that protect the other external genitalia. They are homologous to the male scrotum, not the glans penis.
Option C: The mons pubis is a mound of fatty tissue located over the pubic bone. It serves a protective function but does not contain erectile tissue and is not involved in sexual arousal in the same way as the clitoris.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Homologous structures of the male and female reproductive systems as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A thorough understanding of female genital anatomy is crucial for nurses performing physical assessments, providing perineal care, and assisting with gynecological procedures.
This knowledge is essential for patient education regarding sexual health, hygiene, and contraception.
Nurses may encounter patients who have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and understanding the anatomy is vital for providing sensitive and appropriate care.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question to identify the key characteristics required: 1) female sexual organ, 2) made of nerves and erectile tissue, and 3) analogous (homologous) to the glans of the penis.
Next, systematically review your knowledge of the anatomy of the options provided.
Evaluate the Cervix: It's an internal organ, part of the uterus, and not primarily erectile or sensory.
Evaluate the Labia majora: These are external skin folds, homologous to the scrotum, not the penis.
Evaluate the Mons pubis: This is a fatty pad and lacks erectile tissue.
Evaluate the Clitoris: Recall that it is an external organ, composed of erectile tissue, rich in nerves, and is the direct embryological counterpart to the penis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Homologous structures of the male and female reproductive systems.
Stem keywords: female sexual organs, nerves, erectile tissue, analogous, glans of the penis
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QyF8RAOrWa9bg6iSFWZfoy

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 6505-6507

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 3 p. 144-146

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 383-385

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