Lesson 4 - Gender and Society PDF

GENDER AND SOCIETY UNIT II: BIOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY LESSON 4: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY H umans experience various physical and emotional changes from childhood to adulthood. These changes are gradual and progres...

GENDER AND SOCIETY UNIT II: BIOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY LESSON 4: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY H umans experience various physical and emotional changes from childhood to adulthood. These changes are gradual and progress at different ages and speed in different people. These stages are based on human growth and development from childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE GENITALIA A. The female external genitalia consist of the following: Vulva – all the external genital structures taken together Mons Veneris – pads of fatty tissue between pubic bone and skin. Labia Majora – outer lips surrounding all the other structures. Prepuce – clitoris Hood (foreskin above and covering clitoris Clitoris – Glans (head), Shaft, and Crura (root). The clitoris is particularly sensitive to stimulation. Labia Minora – inner lips surrounding the vestibule where sweat and oil glands, extensive blood vessels and nerve endings are located. Vestibule – area surrounding the urethral opening and vagina which is highly sensitive with extensive blood vessels and nerve endings. Urethral Opening – end of tube connecting to bladder and used for urination. Vaginal Opening – also called Introitus. Perineum – area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus, distance is less in the female than males B. The female internal reproductive structures consist of the following: Vagina – collapsible canal extending from vaginal opening back and upward into body to cervix and uterus. Cervix – small end of uterus to which vagina leads. Uterus – womb, organ within pelvic zone where fetus is carried. Fallopian Tubes – carry egg cells from ovaries to uterus, this is where fertilization occurs. Ovaries – produce estrogen and progesterone. Female Hormones Estrogen - influences female sex characteristics and initiates menstrual cycle. Progesterone - aids in regulation of menstrual cycle and promotes mature development of uterine lining to allow for zygote implantation.  PUBERTY Menstruation – pertains to the sloughing off of the uterine lining if conception has not occurred. It may last within two to six days which follows cycle ranging from 24 to 42 days. Menarche – female first menstruation Semenarche – male first ejaculation Female Secondary Sexual characteristics emerge after puberty: 1. Widening of Hips and Pelvis – accommodates giving birth, but also results in downward shift in center of gravity. 2. Enlargement of Breasts – at puberty both the glandular and fatty tissue of the breasts develop considerably. More female characteristics: Generally shorter than men Greater proportion of body weight composed of fat than men Two X chromosomes reduces expression of many sex-linked conditions. Lower mortality rate at every age, and longer projected lifespan than men. THE BIOLOGICAL MALE GENITALIA A. The male external genitalia consist of the following structures: Prepuce – foreskin covering head of penis. Removed in male circumcision. Penis – Glans (head), shaft, and Root. The glans is particularly sensitive to stimulation. Corona – rim of glans where it arises from shaft. Frenulum – thin strip of skin connecting glans and shaft on underside of penis. Scrotum – sac that enclose the two compartments housing the testes. Urethral Opening – found on head of penis, this is the end of the tube connected to bladder and used for urination. It is tube to which internal structures deliver semen by which male ejaculates. Perineum – area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus, distance is greater in males than females. Male Hormone Testosterone – is responsible for the growth and development of a boy during adolescence and for the development of sperm and secondary sexual characteristics. B. The male internal reproductive organs: Testes – produce androgens, particularly large quantities of testosterone, which greatly influence male development and drive sexual motivation. Also produce sperm cells in virtually unlimited quantity over the entire course of the lifespan.  Vas Deferens – travel from testicles toward urethra carrying sperm. Seminal vesicles – two glands that produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose sugar, comprising 70% of semen volume. Alkaline nature may stimulate sperm to start self- propulsion and sugar may provide sperm nutrients. Ducts carry fluid and connect with Vas Deferens forming Ejaculatory Ducts. Ejaculatory ducts – connect Vas Deferens to Urethra. Prostate Gland - producing alkaline secretions that count for about 30% of semen volume. Alkaline nature may help counteract otherwise acidic environment of urethra and vagina making them more hospitable for sperm. Fluid passes through series of ducts along the wall of urethra. Urethra – tube within penis that carries sperm and semen the rest of the way to the opening of the penis. More Male characteristics: Generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water. Proportionately larger hearts, lungs, presumably to handle greater blood fluid volume. Exposure to greater levels of testosterone results in heavier body and facial hair, but also increased frequency and degree of baldness. Single X chromosomes results in sex-linked conditions such as colorblindness and hemophilia.