The genitals include both organs that can be seen on the outside of the body ( the primary genitalia or external genitalia ) , as well as internal organs ( the secondary genitalia or internal genitalia ) . Sometimes , however , the words genitalia or genitals are used to refer only to the external sex organs . The Latin term genitalia , sometimes anglicized as genital area , is used to describe the externally visible sex organs , known as primary genitalia or external genitalia : in males , the penis and scrotum ; and in females , the clitoris and vulva .