What-constitute-sex

What Constitutes Sex

• Definition: Biological attributes in humans and animals.

• Associated with:

  • Chromosomes

  • Gene expression

  • Hormone levels and function

  • Reproductive/sexual anatomy

Primary Characteristics

• Male Primary Sex Characteristics:

  • Penis

  • Scrotum

  • Ability to ejaculate when matured

• Female Primary Sex Characteristics:

  • Vagina

  • Uterus

  • Fallopian tubes

  • Clitoris

  • Cervix

  • Ability to give birth and menstruate when matured

Development of Primary Sex Characteristics

• Onset of puberty makes reproductive organs functional.

• Characteristics present at birth include internal and external sex organs.

• Directly involved in the process of reproduction.

Male Primary Characteristics

• Components:

  • Testes

  • Penis

  • Seminal vesicles

• At puberty, production of gametes (sperm).

• Changes include growth of testes and penis size increase.

Female Primary Characteristics

• Components:

  • Ovary

  • Oviducts

  • Uterus

  • Vagina

• Changes during puberty involve increase in uterus size and ovarian weight.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

• Definition: Develop at puberty, distinguishing males from females (do not involve reproduction).

• Controlled and regulated by hormones.

Hormonal Regulation of Secondary Characteristics

• Males:

  • Hormone: Testosterone

  • Secreted by the testes

• Females:

  • Hormone: Estrogen

  • Secreted by the ovaries

Role of Androgens/Testosterone in Males

• Effects include:

  • Growth of larynx (vocal cord development)

  • Muscle development and skeletal growth

  • Hair distribution

  • Stimulation of sweat glands

Influence of Testosterone

• Brain:

  • Increased sex drive

  • Improved mood

  • Increased confidence

• Bone and Muscle:

  • Muscle growth

  • Increased bone density

• Reproductive Organs:

  • Sperm production

  • Prostate growth

Role of Estrogen in Females

• Effects include:

  • Breast development

  • Development of external genitalia

  • Hair distribution (pubic/axillary)

  • Body fat distribution

Influence of Estrogen

• Brain:

  • Body temperature regulation

  • Memory function

  • Libido adjustment

• Heart and Liver:

  • Cholesterol regulation

• Breasts:

  • Growth and feeding function

• Bones:

  • Density increasing

• Uterus:

  • Monthly preparation for pregnancy/menstrual cycle

Reproductive Role

• Activities ensuring reproduction of society's workforce:

  • Childbearing, rearing, and care for family (children, elderly, workers)

• Mostly done by women

Reproductive Role of Women

• Responsibilities include maintenance of the current and future workforce through:

  • Childbearing

  • Domestic tasks

Sexuality

• Definition: About sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors; not just sexual partners or frequency.

• Personal and diverse; discovering sexuality is a liberating experience.

Reflection Paper No. 1

• Comment on statement:

  • "Sex Myths: It's the man's responsibility to buy condoms."