Biology 30: Human Reproduction & Sexual Behavior Final Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering human reproduction, sexual behavior, anatomy, hormones, and sexual health based on the Biology 30 study guide.

Corpus callosum

A brain structure that is thicker in the female brain compared to the male brain.

Direct observational method disadvantage

A research drawback where the subjects' behaviors may be influenced by the presence of an observer.

Prostatitis symptoms

Can include fever, lower back pain, and painful ejaculation; often caused by an infection that enlarges the prostate gland.

Sperm route (ejaculation)

The path taken by sperm: testis $\rightarrow$ epididymis $\rightarrow$ vas deferens $\rightarrow$ ejaculatory duct $\rightarrow$ urethra.

Sperm midpiece

The part of the sperm that contains the mitochondria.

Cultural and political contexts

One of the four components of sexual intelligence, involving the consideration of surrounding societal issues and news.

Meiosis location

During the menstrual and ovarian cycles, this process occurs in the ovary.

Gender expression

The way an individual outwardly expresses their gender identity.

Questionnaire Survey Studies attribute

The positive quality that anonymity may improve honesty among participants.

Spongy body

The structure on the underside of the penis that encloses the urethra.

Penis shaft composition

Primary composed of nerves, blood vessels, and erectile tissue.

Hypospadias

A diagnosis for people with penises where the urethral opening (meatus) is part way down the shaft rather than at the tip of the glans.

Grafenberg spot (G spot)

An area encompassing the clitoral complex and spongy tissue surrounding the urethra; it varies in size and is absent in some individuals.

Kegel exercises

Exercises designed to help gain increased control over the muscles of the pelvic floors.

Estrogen

A hormone that produces female secondary sex characteristics and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation timing

Commonly takes place about $14$ days before the start of a person’s next menstrual period.

Mastectomy

The surgical removal of the entirety of breast tissue, often used as a treatment for breast cancer.

Seminiferous tubules

Thin, highly coiled structures located within the testicle responsible for sperm production.

GnRH

The hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH).

Pap smear collection site

The Os, where cells are collected for screening.

Corpus luteum

A structure that develops during the cycle and secretes progesterone.

Rugae

The folded walls of the vagina that produce secretions to maintain chemical balance and provide lubrication during arousal.

Wolffian duct system

The prenatal system that develops into the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Painful menses caused by the overproduction of prostaglandins.

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

A hormone necessary for the normal development of the male external genitals.

Interstitial cells of the Leydig

The specific cells responsible for the production of testosterone in those undergoing spermatogenesis.

Convenience sample

A type of sample used when a researcher recruits easily available subjects, such as students in their own class.

Serotonin (infatuation)

A neurotransmitter that decreases during infatuation and typically returns to normal levels after $12-18$ months.

Prolactin

A compound secreted at orgasm that can cause sleepiness; it is related to the refractory period experienced by most men.

Reciprocity

A factor in attraction where an individual finds themselves wanting to spend more time with someone because they were flattered by that person's interest.

Medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus

The brain region that regulates the decision to engage in sex or not.

Infatuation (Sternberg's Theory)

In the triangular theory of love, this state is comprised of passion only.

Conversion therapy

A practice seeking to change a gay person into a heterosexual based on the mistaken belief that homosexuality is a mental illness.

Plateau phase

The phase of the sexual response cycle where the clitoral glans retracts under the hood and the outer one-third of the vagina forms the orgasmic platform.

Vasocongestion

The physiological process responsible for erections, sex flush on the chest, and color changes in the labia during arousal.

Transitioning

The steps taken to match one's appearance to one's gender identity, ranging from clothing choices to gender confirmation surgery.

Fellatio

Oral stimulation of the penis.

Primary erogenous zones

Regions of the body dense in nerve endings, such as the genitals, neck, ears, and mouth.

Sexual fluidity

Variability in same sex and other sex attraction and involvement at different times and in different situations.

Third stage of labor

The specific stage of labor during which the delivery of the placenta occurs.

Placenta

An organ attached to the uterine wall and joined to the fetus by the umbilical cord; it facilitates nutrient/oxygen transfer and waste removal.

Prenatal stage order

The sequence of development: Zygote, Morula, Blastocyst, Fetus.

HSV-1 vs. HSV-2

HSV-1 usually manifests as cold sores on the mouth/lips, while HSV-2 generally appears as lesions on and around the genitals.

Full term pregnancy duration

An average period lasting about $40$ weeks.

Gardnella

A type of bacteria that causes vaginitis.

HAART treatment

A treatment for HIV/AIDS using a combination of three drugs (including reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors) to inhibit viral replication.

Amniotic sac

The fluid-filled pouch that lines the uterus during pregnancy.

PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis; a daily medication that reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than $90\%$.

PEP

Post-exposure prophylaxis for people potentially exposed to HIV in the last $72$ hours.