Our latest research, led by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Ju Young Lee under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Judith Huirne and Dr. Bernadette de Bakker, unexpectedly grew into a worldwide media phenomenon. Shortly after our study appeared on the preprint server bioRxiv, it was picked up by The Guardian, where it rapidly became one of the most-read science stories of the moment. Coverage soon followed in the BBC, international newspapers, podcasts, social media, radio and major Dutch media outlets including NRC, Volkskrant and Trouw.

In this collaborative project between Amsterdam UMC, the Human Organ Atlas Hub (HOAHub), and the ESRF – The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, we achieved something that had never been done before: the first complete three-dimensional mapping of the clitoral nerve network. Using cutting-edge HiP-CT imaging technology at ESRF, we were able to visualize delicate terminal nerve branches in unprecedented detail.

What we discovered exceeded our expectations. The clitoris contains a far more intricate and extensive network of nerve endings than previously assumed, with branches extending not only into the glans, but also toward surrounding anatomical structures such as the clitoral hood, labia, and mons pubis. These findings fundamentally expand our understanding of clitoral anatomy and sensory innervation.

Beyond the anatomical insights, our work has important clinical implications. A more accurate understanding of clitoral innervation may contribute to improving pelvic surgical procedures and reducing the risk of nerve damage during surgery.

This study demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration between clinicians, anatomists, physicists, imaging specialists, and data scientists. At the same time, the overwhelming global response highlights how urgently more research and awareness are needed around female anatomy and women’s health.

By the way…this TikTok video about our work is brilliant!

The 3D print in the picture is printed by CIRP.

Lee et al. bioRxiv 2026.03.18.712572