Introduction to Human Sexuality Basic Anatomy

WHAT IS SEXUALITY? Sexuality is an integral part of our entire being from the time of birth. It includes physical, physiological, social, emotional, cultural, spiritual and ethical dimensions of sex and gender. Sexuality influences thoughts, feelings, actions and interactions, and it is a fundamental human right.

WHAT IS SEXUALITY? Sexuality is the total expression of an individual’s male- or femaleness through feelings, beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviours. It is a complex expression of the whole person. Sexuality reinforces and affirms the individual as a human being and allows the role of male and female to develop.

WHO’S WHO VOCABULARY Let’s see what you already know about these terms. Read the terms on the sheet and place an “F” if you think only females have that structure. Place an “M” if you think only males have the structure. Place a “B” if you think both males and females have this structure.

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Scrotum – the tissue that encloses the testes Testes – two organs that manufacture sperm and produce hormones Testosterone – the male sex hormone Epididymis – structure that sits atop the testes where sperm mature Vas deferens – a tube that transports sperm to the penis Bladder – where urine is stored

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Seminal vesicles – storage area for sperm where nutrients are added to them Semen – fluid containing sperm and nutrients fluid that increases sperm viability Prostate gland – secretes nutrients into the semen Urethra – tube that transports urine out of the body from the bladder

OTHER MALE TERMS Sperm Has a head, body and tail about 1/200 mm in size Has an enzyme at the tip of the head to weaken the egg Erection The penis becomes engorged due to increased blood flow

OTHER MALE TERMS Ejaculation Semen is ejected in a flush movement Orgasm A pleasurable feeling accompanied by ejaculation Caused by muscle contractions of the vas deferens, urethra, prostate gland and seminal vesicle

OTHER MALE TERMS Nocturnal Emission Wet dreams through natural occurrence Impotency Inability to get an erection Sterility Inability to produce sperm

OTHER MALE TERMS Smegma Build up of waxy deposit under foreskin of non-circumcised penis Circumcision Surgical removal of foreskin to prevent bacterial infections Castration Removal of testes

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM First, sperm are produced in the small seminiferous tubules of the testes. These oval-shaped glands are protected by a sac called the scrotum. After the sperm cells are produced, they are stored in a large coiled tube on the outer surface of each testicle called the epididymis. From this tube the sperm go into a larger tube called the vas deferens, which eventually carries them to the external male reproductive organ, the penis.

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Along the way sperm is nourished by a sugary fluid from the seminal vesicle, a chemical fluid from the prostate, which is the most common site of cancer in men, and fluid from the Cowper’s gland, which are two small glands located near the bladder. These fluids plus the sperm cells combine to form semen, the fluid ejaculated from the penis during orgasm. Before a male can ejaculate, the spongy tissue surrounding the penis becomes engorged with blood causing the penis to become stiff and hard.

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM This is known as an erection. The tube that carries the semen from the body is the urethra. This tube also carries urine from the bladder. Males can also have uncontrolled ejaculation during sleep, which are called nocturnal emissions.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Fallopian Tubes – draws the released egg into its chamber and moves it towards the uterus Ovaries – produce female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and they contain egg cells

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Uterus – thick, hollow, pear-shaped organ whose purpose is to house a developing fetus Cervix – the part of the uterus that extends into the vagina Vagina – connects the uterus to the outside of the body. Very flexible; it is approximately 3-5 inches long

OTHER FEMALE TERMS Vagina “Birth canal” Menstrual blood flows out Penis enters here, sperm deposited during intercourse Hymen Skin that covers the opening of the vagina

OTHER FEMALE TERMS Cervix Gateway to the womb Dilates to allow a baby through during childbirth Tissue used on a Pap test Womb Wall of uterus is shed if egg is not fertilized

OTHER FEMALE TERMS Fallopian Tube Egg travels through here from the ovaries to the uterus Fertilization takes place here Ovary Eggs produced and ripened here One egg is released each month Produces female sex hormones

OTHER FEMALE TERMS Labia Outer skin protecting the internal organs Minora and majora Clitoris Erectile tissue, similar to the penis Sexual stimulation in females

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM First, egg cells are produced in two almond-shaped organs known as the ovaries. During the process of ovulation, a mature egg (ovum) is released and enters one of two fallopian tubes. For a few days the egg cell travels towards the pear-shaped uterus. The lining of this organ thickens in preparation for a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized by the male sperm cell, it will leave the body together with the lining of the uterus and a small amount of blood. This is called menstruation.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The lower portion of the uterus is called the cervix and is a common site of cancer in women. The female organ of intercourse is the vagina. A circular fold of skin is usually present at the entrance to this organ and is called the hymen. Outside of this organ are folds of skin covered with pubic hair known as the labia. Between these skin folds is a small, round, sensitive area of skin called the clitoris.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The development of the reproductive system is triggered by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which cause many physical changes in a girl. This period of change is called puberty.