Key Terms and Definitions Human Sexuality

Sex Organs … Refers to any part or all parts of the reproductive system of male and female. Male Testicles Scrotum Seminal Vesicles Vas Deferens Penis Prostate Gland Female Ovaries Fallopian Tubes Uterus Vagina Breasts

Genitalia … Refers to the sex organs that are visible to eye and located in the groin area. Secondary Sex Characteristics have to do with puberty, and occur after reaching physical maturity. Puberty – period in ones physical development when the reproductive system matures. Typically this take place between the ages of 11- 14. But it is not uncommon for it to occur earlier or later.

Female … The female sex organs include two ovaries, which are located in the lower abdomen and serve to store and ripen mature sex cell. These sex cells are called ova or ovum and are commonly referred to as eggs. A women is born with about 300.000 eggs. When the female reaches sexual maturity one ova comes to maturity approximately every 28 days and is released into the fallopian tube.

Female continued… The ova’s release into the fallopian tube is called ovulation. Once released from the ovary, it can live for approximately 24-48 hours (ovulation). There it can be fertilized by male sperm. If a fertilized ovum reaches the uterus, it will be embedded into the wall of the uterus and begin development. The uterus or womb is a pear shaped muscular structure.

Female… The bottom part of the uterus is called the cervix, which opens up to the vagina. The vagina includes, the major labia and minor labia, as well as the clitoris.

Male… The testicles are similar to the female ovaries, in that they both produce sex cells. The male sex cell is called sperm. The testicles are contained in a loose pouch of skin called the scrotum. When sperm reaches maturity it travels through a coiled tube called the epididymis, and then through the vas deferens to a seminal vesicle where they are stored. The sperm are mixed with a fluid produced by the prostate gland located next to the seminal vesicle. The mixture of the fluid and the sperm is called semen.

Male and Female… Intercourse is a formal term for the act in which the male penis is inserted into the female vagina. The natural purpose is to achieve an ejaculation of the male so that the semen, which carries sperm can be deposited into the female vagina. This is in order to achieve conception. Fertility for a female means the capacity to produce mature ova, release them into the fallopian tube. Fertility for a man means he capacity to produce sperm.

Male and Female… Sterility is the opposite of fertility. This can be brought on by many different things, including surgery, STD/STI, physical accident or illness. Two major sex hormones play a role in physical and sexual development and sexual activity. For women it is estrogen and for men it is testosterone.