Visualising the Anatomy of Pleasure Through 3D Interactive Visualisation

Mann, A., Mitchell, K. , Abbott, D. and Rea, P. (2018) Visualising the Anatomy of Pleasure Through 3D Interactive Visualisation. 2nd Visualisation in Science Conference 2018, Glasgow, UK, 03 Dec 2018.

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

The topic of sexual pleasure sits under a taboo backdating centuries, and persists today. One evidence of this taboo is seen in the discussion of female sexual pleasure and genitalia, in particular the clitoris. The clitoris’s only function is pleasure, but is rarely described in terms of this unique function and is a central organ to female sexuality. To accurately represent the anatomy of the clitoris, at least two planes of view are needed, representation as a whole, continuous organ, consistent naming conventions and contextual descriptions regarding sexual pleasure. Often these requirements are not met, not only in the clitoris but also the surrounding pleasurable anatomy. These inconsistencies in medical literature, inform public educational materials, leaving a need for more relatable, reliable educational materials. The visualisation project undertaken included a website with interactive 3D models of anatomy, including a detailed 3D clitoris, interactive galleries of 2D images, photographs of vulvas, paired with relevant text. This was then evaluated on how effective it was at educating the general public. Additionally, research was undertaken around accurate imaging of clitoral and surrounding anatomy, including a study of the Journals of Helen O’Connell 1889, 2005 and 2008, as well sexology, sex therapy and pleasure to understand the experiential and psychological nature of pleasure, to appropriately contextualise this anatomy. This pairing of knowledge was essential to provide the missing description and insight in order to appropriately describe the clitoris and it surrounding anatomy. Female sexual pleasure is undervalued, under researched and under discussed topic, but evidence shows there is an appetite for more information.

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Abbott, Ms Daisy and Mitchell, Professor Kirstin and Rea, Professor Paul
Authors: Mann, A., Mitchell, K., Abbott, D., and Rea, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Related URLs:

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record