Human Sexuality Terms and Definitions

Labia Majora

Folds of skin extending on either side of the vaginal opening from the mons to the perineum, often covered with hair in an adult and, in both children and adults, forming a visible groove

Vulva

All visible parts of the external female genitalia including the labia and external clitoris, as well as adjacent structures including the vestibule of the vagina, urethra and urethral meatus

Labia Minora

Folds of highly sensitive skin that develop fully at puberty and that run parallel and inside the labia majora, closer to the vaginal opening, from the clitoral hood to the perineum; usually hairless, varying widely in length, shape, and color.

Mons

The pad of skin & fat above the clitoris, usually covered w/ pubic hair in an adult. Located above the pubic bone

Cervix

Upper portion of the vaginal canal, firmer tissue is lowermost portion of uterus. Things can only go one way

Fallopian Tubes

Structures that branch out from upper portion of the uterus & connect to the ovaries.

Urethra

the duct by which urine is conveyed out of the body from the bladder, and which in male vertebrates also conveys semen. In women, this is seperate from the vagina

Oviaries

Structures that contain egg cells and produce hormones that affect the development and functioning of many tissues in fetuses, adolescents, and adults.

Vagina

The passage that exists between the vulva on the outside of the body (beginning at the labia minora) and the uterus

Cowper Glands

two pea-sized structures below the prostate that secrete a clear, slippery, and sometimes salty-sweet mucous fluid into the urethra, typically early in sexual arousal

Semen

Milky, sticky alkaline substance that helps transport the sperm through penis 

Prostate Gland

A structure that produces approximately 30% of seminal fluid; located where the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and urethra converge.

Seminal Vesicles

Structures whose secretions constitute approximately 70% of the volume of semen. Saclike structure that produce secretions that help activate sperm

Epididymis

Contains structures that surround each testis; functions include nourishing, concentrating, and transporting sperm cells.

Vas Deferes

A single curled tube transporting sperm cells prior to ejaculation.

Scrotum

External pouch of skin which holds the testicles

Frenulum

thin, tightly stretched band of skin on its underside connecting glans to the shaft

testicles

The male Sex Glands; where sperm are developed

Sperm

Sex cells necessary for human reproduction

Erections

• Three cylinders inside penis become engorged with blood and penis expands 

• Controlled by spinal reflex 

• Involuntary response 

Uterus

roughly pear shaped and, in a female who has not been pregnant, is about 7 cm long by 5 cm across (about 3 inches by 2 inches). It is also called the womb. During pregnancy, it grows and stretches many times to accommodate the placenta and fetus

Endometrium

The tissue that lines the interior of the Uterus

Fimbriae

Strands that connect themselves to the Oviaries

Prepuce

Male term for “Foreskin” and the skin surrounding the clitoris