Myers' Psychology for AP®, 2e, Module 53

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

a life-threatening, sexually transmitted infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS depletes the immune system, leaving the person vulnerable to infections. (p. 529)

menarche

[meh-NAR-key] the first menstrual period. (p. 527)

primary sex characteristics

the body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible. (p. 527)

puberty

the period of sexual maturation, during which a person becomes capable of reproducing. (p. 527)

secondary sex characteristics

nonreproductive sexual traits, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality, and body hair. (p. 527)

sexual orientation

an enduring sexual attraction toward members of either one's own sex (homosexual orientation), the other sex (heterosexual orientation), or both sexes (bisexual orientation). (p. 531)

testosterone

the most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty. (p. 526)

X chromosome

the sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child. (p. 526)

Y chromosome

the sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child. (p. 526)