Human Sexuality

Testes

Two small glands that produce sperm, located in a sac called the scrotum

Epididymis

Coiled tube where sperm matures and is stored temporarily

Vas Deferens

Tube connecting the epididymis to the urethra, sperm is mixed with fluid from seminal vesicles (mixture forms semen)

Seminal Vesicle

Adds fluid to the mixture that makes up semen

Prostate

Secretes a fluid that becomes a protective coating for the sperm

Cowpers

Releases fluid prior to ejaculation which lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acidic content

Urethra

Small tube that extends from the bladder and each vas deferens to the outside of the body, semen and urine leave through here

Penis

External reproductive organ composed of spongy tissue and many blood vessels. Increased blood > enlargement + erection

Ovaries

Sex glands that house the ova (egg cells) and produce female sex hormones

Fimbrae

Fingerlike projections at the end of each tube that draw the ovum into the tube with a waving motion

Fallopian Tubes

Ovum is drawn into the tube and then moved along to the uterus

Uterus

It’s primary function is to hold and nourish the developing embryo and fetus

Cervix

The “neck” of the uterus, the lining of the uterus breaks down and passes through here to the vagina

Vagina

Muscular, elastic tube that is a passageway from the uterus to the outside

What is the male sex cell?

Sperm

What is the female sex cell?

Egg cells

What is the male hormone?

Testosterone

What are the female hormones?

Estrogen and progesterone

What is ovulation?

When ovaries release 1 mature ovum each month

What is conception/fertilization?

The union of ovum and sperm. Ovum > zygote. Then, the zygote begins to divide

Where does conception/fertilization take place?

It occurs in the fallopian tube

What happens during menstruation?

The uterus lining sheds, blood and other fluids are released through the vagina. This shedding occurs if an egg hasn’t been fertilized, and the body prepares for a potential pregnancy each month.

Zygote

Product of union of ovum and sperm = 1 cell

Blastocyst

Zygote divides many times and becomes this = many cells

Embryo

Blastocyst attaches itself to the lining of the uterus and is now called this (duration: 1-8 weeks)

Fetus

En embryo turns into this after 9 weeks (duration: weeks 9 - ?)

What are the three stages of birth?

Dilation, birth, and afterbirth

Dilation

Stretching of the cervix, contractions to shorten uterus, longest and hardest part of birth labor

Birth

Muscles of the uterus contract and push the baby out of the body, umbilical chord is clamped and cut

Afterbirth

Contractions continue and push placenta out of the mother

How long can the male sperm live in the female body?

3 days

How long does the egg live inside the female body?

2 days

What are some warning signs of being pregnant?

Morning sickness, swollen breasts, increased fatigue + urination

What are the 4 different kinds of contraceptives?

Hormonal, barrier, surgical, and behavioral

Hormonal

• Birth control pill

• Birth control patch

• Vaginal ring

• Birth control shot

• Plan B

Barrier

• Male condom

• Female condom

• Spermicide

• Diaphragm

• Cervical cap

• Birth control sponge

Surgical

• Birth control implant

• IUD

• Tubal ligation

• Vasectomy

Behavioral

• Abstinence

• Withdrawal

• Ovulation predictor kits

What are the 3 different kinds of STIs?

Viral, bacteria, and parasitic

Viral

• HPV (genital warts)

• Herpes

• Hepatitis B

• HIV

Bacterial

• Gonorrhea

• Chlamydia

• Syphilis

• Chancroid

Parasitic

• Crabs (pubic lice)

• Scabies

• Trich.