Human Sexuality Notes
Human Sexuality
Puberty
Puberty is the period when males and females become physically able to reproduce.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
These are physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty.
Hormones
- Testosterone: A hormone that produces male secondary sex characteristics.
- Estrogen: A hormone that produces female secondary sex characteristics and affects menstruation.
Timing of Puberty
- Females typically start puberty between the ages of 8 and 13.
- Males typically start puberty between the ages of 9 and 14.
Male Changes During Puberty
- Deeper voice/Voice cracks
- Growth spurts
- Facial and body hair growth
- Acne breakouts
- Testosterone production
- Wet dreams
Female Changes During Puberty
- Weight fluctuates easily
- Menstruation cycle begins
- Ovulation begins
- Acne breakouts
- Estrogen and progesterone production
- Breast growth
- Hips get wider
Menstruation
Menstrual Cycle
A monthly series of changes involving ovulation, changes in the uterine lining, and menstruation.
Ovulation
The release of a mature ovum (egg) from an ovary. A mature ovum is released every month from an ovary.
Menstruation (Period)
The phase during which the menstrual flow, consisting of an unfertilized ovum and the uterine lining, leaves the body.
Cycle Length
The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days. The average length of menstrual flow is 5 days. Irregular cycles are normal.
Phases of Menstruation Cycle
- During Menstruation (Days 1-5): The lining of the uterus and small amounts of blood leave the body.
- After Menstruation (Days 6-15): The uterine lining repairs itself and prepares for a fertilized egg. Ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovary, occurs around days 13-15.
- Before Menstruation (Days 16-28): If the egg is fertilized, it embeds itself in the wall of the uterus. If the egg isn’t fertilized, the blood vessels in the uterine wall shrink and break down, leading to menstruation.
Female Reproductive Organs
Ovaries
Two glands that produce estrogen and ova (female reproductive cells or eggs).
Fallopian Tubes
Two tubes through which ova move from the ovaries to the uterus.
Uterus
A muscular organ that receives and supports a fertilized ovum during pregnancy.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Vagina
A muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body; serves as the birth canal and the passageway for menstrual flow.
Male Reproductive Organs
Penis
The male sex organ used for reproduction and urination.
Scrotum
A sac-like pouch that holds the testes and helps regulate their temperature.
Testes
The two glands that produce testosterone and sperm cells.
Epididymis
A structure on the top of the testes where sperm mature.
Vas Deferens
Two long, thin tubes that act as passageways for sperm.
Seminal Vesicles
Two small glands that secrete a fluid that nourishes and helps sperm move.
Prostate Gland
A gland that produces fluid that helps keep sperm alive.
Cowper’s Gland
Two small glands that secrete a clear fluid into the urethra.
Urethra
A narrow tube through which urine and semen pass out of the body (but not at the same time).
Fertilization
Fertilization/conception occurs when a male sperm and a female egg cell unite to form one microscopic cell. The resulting cell is called a zygote.
Implantation
Within a few days after fertilization, implantation begins, which is the process by which the zygote attaches to the uterine wall.
Embryo
After 2 weeks, the zygote becomes an embryo; an embryo is a cluster of cells that develops between the third and eighth weeks of pregnancy.
Fetus
The group of developing cells is known as a fetus.