Biology of Human Sexuality

Chromosomal
Determination of Sex

XX = female
XY = male
Turner Syndrome
45,X
Turner Syndrome
45,X
Klinefelter Syndrome
47,XXY
Klinefelter Syndrome
47,XXY
Male and Female Fetal
Development

If Y chromosome is absent:
ovary develops about 12 weeks
Male and Female Fetal
Development

If Y chromosome is present:
testes develop about week 6 or 7

Testes produce testosterone at

week 8
differentiation of male
sexual anatomy.
Male and Female Fetal
Development

7th month = movement of testis from

abdominal cavity to the scrotum via
inguinal canal.
Sexual Maturation of
Young Adults

Puberty – characterized by
increased production of sex
hormone.
Sexual Maturation of
Young Adults

Hypothalamus:
GnRH (gonadotropin
releasing hormone)
Sexual Maturation of
Young Adults

Pituitary:
FSH (follicle stimulating
hormone)
LH/ICSH (luteinizing
hormone/interstitial cell -
stimulating hormone)
Zygote – fertilized egg; first cell of
the new individual.

Embryo – developmental stage

until the 9th week.

Fetus – the unborn young; in

humans, the period from the 3rd
month of development until birth.
Placenta – delivers nutrients and
oxygen to and removes wastes from the
embryonic blood.
Effects of Pregnancy on
the Mother

Anatomical changes:
 uterus enlarges
 ribs flare
 thorax widen
 center of gravity changes
Effects of Pregnancy on
the Mother

Physiological changes:

A. Gastrointestinal System
 morning sickness (nausea)
 displaced esophagus and
stomach causing heartburn
 digestive tract motility declines
causing constipation
Effects of Pregnancy on
the Mother

Physiological changes:

B. Urinary System
 production of more urine
 urination becomes more
frequent, more urgent and
sometimes uncontrollable
Effects of Pregnancy on
the Mother

Physiological changes:

C. Respiratory System
 swollen and congested nasal mucosa
 respiratory rate increases during
pregnancy
 may exhibit dyspnea (difficult breathing)
during the later stages of pregnancy
Labor – series of events that expel
the infant from the uterus.
Stages of Labor

Stage 1: DILATION STAGE

From the appearance of true

contractions until the cervix is
fully dilated by the baby’s head
(about 10cm in diameter).
Stages of Labor

Stage 2: EXPULSION STAGE

From full dilation to

delivery of the infant.
Stages of Labor

Stage 3: PLACENTAL STAGE

Delivery of the placenta; usually

accomplished within 15min after
birth of the infant.