Bulb of vestibule

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Vestibular bulbs (bulbs of the vestibule)

The vestibular bulbs are two slender masses of erectile tissue located on each side of the vaginal opening. They connect in front by a narrow band. Some research suggests they may be more closely related to the clitoris than to the vestibule and they form part of the clitoral root along with the crura. They are the female counterpart to the bulb of the penis.

Anatomy in brief:
- The back ends touch the greater vestibular glands.
- The front ends form a tapered residual spongy part that joins at the midline.
- They lie against the lower fascia of the urogenital diaphragm; on the outside they are covered by the bulbospongiosus muscle.
- The residual spongy part runs along the clitoral body and ends at the glans clitoridis.

Function:
During sexual arousal, the bulbs fill with blood and expand, wrapping around the vaginal opening and helping the vulva expand. This can stimulate nearby structures and increase pleasure. After orgasm, the blood returns to the bloodstream; if orgasm does not occur, drainage happens over several hours.