WEEK 7 : The Sexual Self

Sexual Selfhood

How an individual thinks and perceives themselves as a sexual being.

Human Sexuality

A culturally diverse aspect of human identity that includes sexual thoughts, behaviors, and roles influenced by history, biology, and society.

Historical Perspectives

Ancient Greece

A period where males held dominance; the penis symbolized fertility, and women (called “gyne,” meaning bearer of children) were considered property with the sole role of childbearing.

Middle Ages (476–1450)

The Church heavily influenced sexuality, teaching that only sex for procreation was moral; women were labeled as either temptress (Eve) or virtuous (Virgin Mary).

Protestant Reformation (16th Century)

Led by Martin Luther and John Calvin; taught that sexuality is natural, marriage is honorable, and sexual intimacy strengthens emotional and physical bonds—not just for procreation.

Puritan Era (17th–18th Century)

Advocated for strict morality; sex within marriage was accepted, but premarital sex was considered sinful.

Victorian Era (1837–1901)

Characterized by sexual repression; homosexuality and prostitution were seen as threats to social order, and open discussion of sexual topics was taboo.

20th Century Onward

Marked by greater acceptance of sexuality due to the separation of church and state and the rise of feminism, leading to more open and diverse sexual norms.

Biological Perspective

Reproductive System

The organs and structures involved in sexual reproduction.

Brain

The control center of sexual behavior; it initiates and organizes sexual responses.

Sexual Reproduction

The process where an egg cell and sperm cell fuse to create new life.

Sociobiological / Evolutionary Perspective

Sociobiological Theory

Suggests that natural selection influences sexual behavior; traits that enhance reproduction are passed on to future generations.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms best suited to their environment survive and reproduce.

Evolutionary Perspective

Explains that physical attraction plays a role in mate selection to ensure the passing of desirable genetic traits.

Physical Attraction

The initial evolutionary drive toward potential mates based on traits perceived as healthy or strong.

Love, Care, and Responsibility

Essential components of lasting human sexual relationships beyond physical attraction.

Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics and Reproductive System

Biological Perspective

Understanding the sexual self through the physical body and its systems.

Asexual Reproduction

A simple form of reproduction that occurs without sex; one organism divides to produce identical offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving a male and female through the union of a sperm cell and an egg cell.

Reproductive System

A network of organs and hormones that allow humans to produce offspring; includes separate structures for males and females.

Embryo

The early stage of human development where reproductive tissues form into either male or female organs.

Essential Features of Human Reproduction

Liberation of an ovum

Release of an egg during the reproductive cycle.

Internal fertilization

Union of sperm and egg inside the female body.

Transport to uterus

Movement of the fertilized egg to the womb.

Implantation

Attachment of the embryo (blastocyst) to the uterine wall.

Formation of placenta

Development of the organ that nourishes the fetus.

Birth and expulsion

Delivery of the baby and removal of the placenta.

Suckling and recovery

Nursing of the child and restoration of maternal organs.

Male Reproductive System

Penis

Male sexual organ used for urination and reproduction.

Root

Base portion extending into the pelvic cavity.

Shaft

Main body of the penis between the glans and the root.

Glans

Head of the penis; sensitive and rich in nerve endings.

Cavernous Bodies

Spongy tissues in the shaft that fill with blood during arousal.

Foreskin

Fold of skin covering the glans.

Corona

Rim around the glans of the penis.

Frenulum

Sensitive strip of skin connecting the glans to the shaft.

Female Reproductive System

Vulva

External female genitalia including all visible parts.

Mons Veneris

Fatty mound over the pubic bone.

Labia Majora

Outer lips of the vulva.

Labia Minora

Inner lips surrounding the vaginal opening.

Prepuce

Fold of skin covering the clitoris.

Clitoris

Sensitive organ responsible for sexual pleasure.

Shaft (Clitoris)

Length of the clitoris between glans and body.

Glans (Clitoris)

Head of the clitoris rich in nerve endings.

Crura

Internal extensions of clitoral tissue attached to the pubic bone.

Vestibule

Space within the labia minora containing the vaginal and urethral openings.

Urethra

Tube that carries urine from the bladder to the body’s exterior.

Vagina

Elastic canal connecting external genitals to the uterus.

Rugae

Folds in the vaginal wall that allow expansion.

Cervix

Lower, narrow part of the uterus opening into the vagina.

Uterus

Pear-shaped organ where the fetus develops.

Fallopian Tubes

Tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus.

Ovaries

Female glands producing eggs and hormones.

Primary Sexual Characteristics

Physical traits present at birth that distinguish males and females (e.g., penis and vagina).

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Physical traits that appear at puberty (e.g., deeper voice and facial hair in males; breasts and higher voice in females).

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands that trigger development of secondary sexual traits.

Hypothalamus

Brain structure that regulates hormones and initiates sexual development.

Puberty and Secondary Sexual Development

Puberty

The stage of physical and physiological maturation where an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction. It involves hormonal, physical, and emotional changes.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits that distinguish males and females but are not directly involved in reproduction (e.g., voice change, breast development, body hair).

Pubic Hair

Hair that grows in the genital area during puberty; one of the first visible signs of sexual maturity.

Larynx (Voice Box)

Enlarges during puberty, especially in males, causing the voice to deepen.

Menstrual Cycle

Monthly process in females involving the shedding of the uterine lining when fertilization does not occur; begins during puberty (menarche).

Menarche

A girl’s first menstrual period, marking the start of reproductive capability.

Neurosecretory Factors / Hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate bodily changes during puberty, such as growth and sexual development.

Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis

A hormonal system that triggers the production of sex hormones and the development of reproductive organs during puberty.

Sex Steroid Hormones

Hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen) responsible for sexual maturation and maintenance of secondary sex traits.

Marshall and Tanner Stages (2006)

Five stages that describe the physical progression of puberty in both sexes, from childhood to full maturity.

Puberty Stages (Female)

P1

Pre-pubertal

P2

Early Development

P3

Growth Phase

P4

Advanced Development

P5

Adult Stage

Uterus

Changes from a tear-drop shape in childhood to a pear shape in puberty due to estrogen production.

Estradiol

The main estrogen hormone in females; promotes breast and reproductive organ growth, fat distribution (hips, breasts), and bone development.

Ovary

Female reproductive gland that produces eggs and sex hormones, including estradiol.