The Concept Of Human Sexuality

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Adolescent Spurt

Back 1

An accelerated growth rate that precedes puberty.

Front 2

Accessory Glands

Back 2

Specialized structures within the male reproductive system that each secrete a unique and essential component of the total seminal fluid in an ordered sequence.

Front 3

Adrenarche

Back 3

The increase in adrenal gland activity that occurs just before puberty.

Front 4

Beautification

Back 4

A sex practice that involves changing one’s appearance in order to look more attractive.

Front 5

Bisexuality

Back 5

A preference for both men and women as sexual partners.

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Bulbourethral/ Cowpers Glands

Back 6

A pair of round structures on either side of the membranous urethra whose secretions lubricate the penile urethra during sexual excitement and neutralize acid in the male urethra and the vagina, thereby enhancing sperm mobility.

Front 7

Cervix

Back 7

The opening of the uterus, which connects the uterus to the vagina.

Front 8

Child Sexual Abuse

Back 8

Sexual maltreatment of children.

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Climacteric

Back 9

The period of time that marks the cessation of a woman’s reproductive function.

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Clitoris

Back 10

A small structure that is made of erectile tissue and located between the labia minora; it serves as the primary source of female sexual response.

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Contraception

Back 11

Fertility control, including use of oral contraceptives, injectables, barrier methods, and intrauterine devices.

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Contragestion

Back 12

Method of birth control that prevents implantation.

Front 13

Corpus Luteum

Back 13

Endocrine tissue that develops during luteal phase of the ovarian cycle; this tissue produces high levels of progesterone and low levels of estrogen.

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Dyspareunia

Back 14

Pain experienced by a woman during intercourse as a result of inadequate lubrication, scarring, vaginal infection, or hormonal imbalance.

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Ejaculatory Ducts

Back 15

The ducts formed at the point where the vas deferens connects with ducts from the seminal vesicle.

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Ejaculatory Incompetence

Back 16

The inability to ejaculate into the vagina.

Front 17

Endometrium

Back 17

The innermost layer of the uterus, which lines the uterine cavity.

Front 18

Epididymis

Back 18

A duct that lies behind each testis and provides an area for the maturation of sperm and a reservoir for mature spermatozoa.

Front 19

Erectile Dysfunction

Back 19

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient to accomplish intercourse

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Excision

Back 20

A form of female genital mutilation that involves removal of the clitoris

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Excitement

Back 21

The first phase of the sexual response cycle, involving sexual stimulation and characterized by an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, flushed skin, and increased blood flow to the genitals.

Front 22

Fallopian Tubes

Back 22

The two channels linking the peritoneal cavity with the uterus and providing transport of ova from the ovaries to the uterus.

Front 23

Female Genital Mutilation FGM

Back 23

A practice involving either excision of the clitoris, the labia majora, and the labia minora or the closure of the vagina

Front 24

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Back 24

One of the hormones that cause the testes to produce testosterone, which maintains spermatogenesis, increases sperm production by the seminiferous tubules, and stimulates production of the seminal fluid.

Front 25

Follicular Phase

Back 25

The first stage of the ovarian cycle, which begins immediately after menses and ends in about the middle of the uterine cycle; during this phase, a primordial follicle matures into a graafian follicle.

Front 26

Fourchette

Back 26

The convergence of the labia minora near the anus.

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Frigidity

Back 27

Failure of sexual arousal in women.

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Gametes

Back 28

Sex Cells

Front 29

Gender Identity

Back 29

The view of self as male or female

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Glans

Back 30

The cone-shaped end of the penis.

Front 31

Gonads

Back 31

Specialized organs that produce gametes.

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Graafian Follicle

Back 32

A follicle that matures within an ovary during the ovarian cycle, eventually rupturing to liberate the ovum inside.

Front 33

Heterosexuality

Back 33

A preference for opposite-sex sexual partners.

Front 34

Homogulous

Back 34

Fundamentally similar in structure and function

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Homophobia

Back 35

An irrational fear, hatred, or intolerance of homosexuals.

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Homosexuality

Back 36

A preference for same-sex sexual partners.

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Hymen

Back 37

The collar or semicollar of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening.

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Impotence

Back 38

Another name for erectile dysfunction.

Front 39

Infibulation

Back 39

Stitching the labia majora together to prevent intercourse.

Front 40

Introitus

Back 40

The vaginal opening, which is the border between the external and internal female genitals.

Front 41

Ischemia Phase

Back 41

The final stage of the menstrual cycle, which is marked by the breakdown of endometrial tissue

Front 42

Labia Majora

Back 42

The two longitudinal, raised folds of pigmented skin found in the external female genitalia, one on either side of the vulvar cleft.

Front 43

Labia Minora

Back 43

The two soft folds of skin found within the labia majora.

Front 44

Libido

Back 44

Sexual desire and the ability to enjoy intercourse.

Front 45

Luteal Phase

Back 45

The second stage of the ovarian cycle, which begins when the graafian follicle ruptures and an ovum is released.

Front 46

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Back 46

One of the hormones that cause the testes to produce testosterone, which maintains spermatogenesis, increases sperm production by the seminiferous tubules, and stimulates production of the seminal fluid.

Front 47

Male Climactetic

Back 47

The subtle physical and psychological changes that take place in men as they age due to a gradual decrease in testosterone production.

Front 48

Male Menopause

Back 48

Another name for the male climacteric.

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Menarche

Back 49

The onset of menstruation.

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Menopausal Phase

Back 50

The second stage of the female climacteric, which is defined by a woman’s last menses.

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Menopause

Back 51

Another name for the climacteric in females.

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Menstrual Cycle

Back 52

The cyclical, physiological uterine bleeding that normally recurs, usually at approximately four-week intervals, in the absence of pregnancy during the reproductive period of the female.

Front 53

Menstrual Phase

Back 53

Days one to six of the menstrual cycle, during which menstrual flow occurs.

Front 54

Mons Pubis

Back 54

The part of the external female genitalia that covers the anterior portion of the symphysis pubis, protects the pelvic bones, and is covered with short pubic hair.

Front 55

Myometrium

Back 55

The middle layer of the uterus, which consists of three distinct layers of involuntary muscle fibers that help expel the fetus during birth and provide a tourniquet-like action on blood vessels to stop bleeding following birth.

Front 56

Myotonia

Back 56

Muscle tension and increased contractility.

Front 57

Natural Family Planning

Back 57

A process that involves fertility awareness and considers timing of ovulation and temperature during given days of the female cycle to enable couples to determine when sexual activity may or may not result in pregnancy.

Front 58

Orgasm

Back 58

The phase of the sexual response cycle that occurs at the peak of sexual excitement and involves feelings of intense pleasure and sensitivity.

Front 59

Orgasmic Dysfunction

Back 59

The inability of a woman to achieve orgasm.

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Ova

Back 60

Female gametes, or eggs.

Front 61

Ovarian Cycle

Back 61

The rhythmic, cyclical changes in the ovaries that lead to the monthly maturation and release of an ovum.

Front 62

Ovaries

Back 62

The female gonads, which store and mature ova and also produce hormones.

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Paraurethral Glands

Back 63

Glands that open into the posterior wall of the female urethra close to its opening; these glands emit secretions that help lubricate the vaginal vestibule, facilitating sexual intercourse.

Front 64

Parietal Peritoneum

Back 64

The thin, slippery outer covering of the uterus, which is composed of peritoneum.

Front 65

Pelvic Floor

Back 65

The bottom of the bony pelvis, which provides support for the irregularly shaped pelvic outlet

Front 66

Penile Implants

Back 66

Surgical implants used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction secondary to organic causes; implantable devices include semirigid rods and inflatable prostheses.

Front 67

Penis

Back 67

An elongated, cylindrical structure of the external male genitalia, serving both the urinary and the reproductive systems.

Front 68

Perineal Body

Back 68

A wedge-shaped mass of fibromuscular tissue found between the lower part of the vagina and the anal canal.

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Plateau

Back 69

The phase of the sexual response cycle preceding orgasm, characterized by sensitivity of the clitoris and pelvic and vaginal congestion in women and by erection and an increase in length and diameter of the penis, the drawing up of the testes toward the abdomen, and secretion from the bulbourethral glands in men.

Front 70

Postmenopausal Phase

Back 70

The third and final stage of the female climacteric, which consists of the years after cessation of menstruation.

Front 71

Premature Ejaculation

Back 71

The condition in which a man is unable to delay ejaculation long enough to satisfy his partner; this usually means ejaculation occurs after very limited stimulation of the penis.

Front 72

Premenopausal Phase

Back 72

The first stage of the female climacteric, during which estrogen levels fluctuate; this results in changes in the menstrual cycle.

Front 73

Prepuce

Back 73

Movable hood covering the glans penis.

Front 74

Proliferative Phase

Back 74

The time from the cessation of menses to the beginning of ovulation; this period is marked by enlargement of the endometrial glands.

Front 75

Prostate Gland

Back 75

A male reproductive gland that encircles the upper part of the urethra and lies below the neck of the bladder; it secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid that protects sperm against the acidic environment of the vagina and the male urethra.

Front 76

Puberty

Back 76

The fundamental biological changes of adolescence.

Front 77

Rape

Back 77

Forced sexual intercourse that includes both physical force and psychological coercion.

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Rape Trauma Syndrome

Back 78

A cluster of symptoms experienced by rape victims, including disorganization, denial, reorganization, and integration and recovery.

Front 79

Resolution

Back 79

The final phase of the sexual response cycle, involving relaxation, fatigue, and fulfillment.

Front 80

Retarded Ejaculation

Back 80

Delayed ejaculation

Front 81

Rugae

Back 81

Crisscrossing ridges that line the vagina, allowing it to stretch.

Front 82

Scrotum

Back 82

A pouchlike structure that hangs in front of the anus and behind the penis and that protects the testes and the sperm.

Front 83

Secretary Phase

Back 83

Days fifteen to twenty-six of the menstrual cycle, beginning after ovulation

Front 84

Semen

Back 84

A fluid made up of spermatozoa and the secretions of all the accessory glands that transports viable and motile sperm to the female reproductive tract.

Front 85

Seminal Vesicle

Back 85

Two glands that produce fluid, which then mixes with sperm in the ejaculatory ducts; this fluid helps provide an environment favorable to sperm motility and metabolism.

Front 86

Senate Exercises

Back 86

Activities in which a couple learns to enjoy the sensation of touch without sexual intercourse, such as with massage.

Front 87

Sex Roles

Back 87

Behaviors that identify how a person’s gender is expressed.

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Sexual Orientation

Back 88

A person’s gender preference in sexual partners.

Front 89

Sexual Response Cycle

Back 89

The events resulting from sexual stimulation, including excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Front 90

Sexuality

Back 90

An intrinsic part of a person’s life that includes gender identity, sex roles, sexual activity, and reproduction.

Front 91

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Back 91

Specific infections or symptoms transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse.

Front 92

Shaft

Back 92

The body of the penis.

Front 93

Skene's Glands

Back 93

Another name for the paraurethral glands.

Front 94

Spermatogenesis

Back 94

The production of sperm by the testes.

Front 95

Sterilization

Back 95

A surgical method of birth control that involves tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

Front 96

Testes

Back 96

A pair of oval, compound glandular organs contained in the scrotum that are the center of spermatozoa production and the secretion of several male sex hormones.

Front 97

Urethra

Back 97

The passageway for urine and semen in the male.

Front 98

Urethral/Littre's Glands

Back 98

Tiny mucous-secreting glands found in the membranous lining of the penile urethra.

Front 99

Urethral Meatus

Back 99

A puckered, slitlike opening located below the clitoris in the midline of the vestibule.

Front 100

Uterus

Back 100

A hollow, muscular, thick-walled organ that lies in the center of the female pelvic cavity between the base of the bladder and the rectum and above the vagina; its purpose is to provide a safe environment for fetal development.

Front 101

Vagina

Back 101

A muscular, membranous tube that connects the external female genitals with the uterus.

Front 102

Vaginal Vestibule

Back 102

A boat-shaped depression enclosed by the labia majora and visible when they are separated

Front 103

Vaginismus

Back 103

The irregular and involuntary contraction of the muscles around the outer third of the vagina when coitus is attempted, causing the vagina to close before penetration.

Front 104

Vaginitis

Back 104

Inflammation of the vagina.

Front 105

Vas Deferens

Back 105

The tube that connects the epididymis with the prostate gland.

Front 106

Vulva

Back 106

The external female genitals, which are the accessory structures of the female reproductive system.

Front 107

Vulvodynia

Back 107

A chronic vulvar discomfort or pain that is characterized by complaints of burning, stinging, irritation, or rawness of the female genitalia.

Front 108

Wet Dreams

Back 108

Nocturnal emissions produced by males without sexual stimulation.

Front 109

Zygote

Back 109

A fertilized egg.