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Course Code and Title: GE 101 – Understanding the Self

Lesson Number: Lesson 8 (Week 10)
Topic: The Sexual Self: The Reproductive System and Its Important Functions
INTRODUCTION:
This topic presents an extensive discussion on the development of sex characteristics, human
reproductive system, erogenous zones, phases of sexual arousal, and bases of sexual behavior.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 Understand the development of sex characteristics and the human reproductive system;
 Identify the different erogenous zones of the male and female body;
 Distinguish the phases of sexual arousal: and
 Explain and respect the sexual orientation and diversity of sexual behavior.
PRE-ASSESSMENT:
Read carefully and answer the following statements/questions.
1. The ___________________ sex characteristics develop during the onset of puberty.
2. The __________________ is a hollow organ where the fertilized embryo grows to become a
fetus.
3. Give at least 3 parts of the male reproductive system.
1. 2. 3.
4. Give at least 3 parts of the female reproductive system.
1. 2. 3.
LESSON PRESENTATION:

The essence of love if the gift of myself.

No other gift, no other service can substitute for myself.
Love is a very personal, intimate gift. Some part of myself must be given ---
Or my act is not an act at all.
- James E. Sullivan
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DEVELOPMENT OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS AND THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The beginning of adolescence is marked by rapid physical changes, including the maturation of the
reproductive system and the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics. Primary sex
characteristics are physical characteristics present at birth. These are the characteristics that
distinguish male from female. In females, these characteristics include the vagina, uterus, and
ovaries. In males, the primary sex characteristics include the penis, testes or testicles, scrotum, and
prostate gland.

Secondary sex characteristics develop during the onset of puberty. For women, the earliest
evidences of puberty are enlargement of the breasts, onset of menstruation, widening of the hips,
enlargement of buttocks, and growth of pubic hair. Onset of menstruation varies among countries
but usually occurs at around 10 to 12 years of age. Testicular growth, sperm production, appearance
of facial, pubic, and other body hair, and deepening of voice are some of the first signs of puberty in
men.

Primary sex characteristics develop as the embryo grows in the womb as a result of the
chromosomes contained within the embryonic cells as well as hormonal influences. At about 5
weeks of pregnancy, two organs, called the gonads, form in the embryo. In men, the gonads release
testosterone that causes the male's sex organs to develop. During puberty, testosterone and other
androgens stimulate the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics and also
increase one's sex drive. In women, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone as well as
small amount of testosterone. Estrogen promotes female reproductive capacity and secondary sex
characteristics. Progesterone stimulates growth of the female reproductive organs and prepares the
uterus for pregnancy. Unlike men, however, female sex hormones are not produced consistently.
Their production follows a cyclical pattern, on an approximately 28-day monthly cycle. The greatest
production occurs during the ovulation period, when an egg is released from the ovaries. Ovulation
period can occur 14 days after the beginning of the menstrual period.

The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function.
The female reproductive system is composed of the clitoris, the vagina, the uterus, the fallopian
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tubes, and the two ovaries. The clitoris which is made of erectile tissue swells with blood and
hardens when a woman is sexually aroused. The vagina is a muscular tube that serves as the
receptacle for the penis and carrier of the sperm to the uterus. It is also the birth canal where the
fetus passes out of a mother's body. The two ovaries produce, store, and release the egg cell during
ovulation. The uterus is a hollow organ where the fertilized embryo grows to become a fetus. The
lower part of the uterus is called the cervix, a passageway between the uterus and the vagina that
expands during childbirth. The fallopian tubes carry the fertilized egg from the ovary to the uterus.
Pregnancy starts from fertilization and end at birth, for an approximate duration of 260 days.

On the other hand, the male reproductive system includes the penis, the testes, the scrotum, the
prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, the vas deferens, and the epididymis. The penis is the organ
through which males urinate and deliver the sperm cells into the vagina during sexual intercourse. It
is made up of sensitive tissues and nerve endings.

When a man is sexually aroused, it becomes erect and allows for penetration. Before reaching the
penis, sperm cells travel through the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. The testes or testicles
located in a loose pouch-like sac of skin called the scrotum are responsible for the production of
sperm cells and male sex hormones. The vas deferens transports the sperm-containing fluid called
semen. The epididymis is a set of coiled ducts connected to the vas deferens where the sperm cells
are stored. The prostate gland and seminal vesicles produce semen and nourish the sperm cells.
Ejaculation is the release of sperm cells from the penis. Each ejaculation approximately contains
300 to 500 million sperm cells. Sperm cells can live up to 48 hours inside the uterus.
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Male Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

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SEXUAL AROUSAL AND EROGENOUS ZONES: WHAT TURNS PEOPLE ON

Human sexual arousal is complex. It may be produced by direct stimulation of the body's erogenous
zones on the areas of the body that provide pleasure. Erogenous zones are areas of the body which
are highly sensitive and produce sexual responses when stimulated. These include the genitals,
mouth, breasts, ears, anus, and to a lesser degree, the entire surface of the body. One of the most
basic forms of sexual stimulation is masturbation or self-stimulation that causes sexual pleasure or
orgasm. It involves the rubbing or fondling of the genital areas and provides a good index of sexual
desire because it is not constrained by the availability of a partner. Other sexual activities such as
intimate kissing, cuddling, necking, petting, or touching the erogenous zones may be uniquely
important to sexual arousal.

In many species, sexual arousal is closely tied to variations in hormonal levels. In humans, however,
hormones play less of a role. In one sense, the brain is where sexual desire originates and where
sexual behavior is controlled (Atkinson, Atkinson, Smith, Bem, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2009). Cognitive
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factors thus play an important role in sexual arousal in humans. For instance, some individuals
become sexually aroused by creating or fantasizing erotic images. In other words, sexual fantasies
play a significant role in sexual arousal (Feldman, 2010). Many believe that compared with women,
men think about sex more often because they report more frequent sex fantasies and more frequent
feelings of sexual desire. Nevertheless, women tend to place more emphasis on emotional
closeness with a lover than men do. Overall, women and men have equal potential for sexual
arousal and women are no less physically responsive than men (Peplau, 2003).

Culture also influences the expression of sexual desire. Norms continue to shape sexual activity
along socially acceptable behavior. For instance, masturbation and premarital sex are discouraged
in most cultures. Expression of sexual desire is also influenced by sexual scripts or the stereotyped
patterns of expectations on how people should behave sexually. For example, some people believe
that sex should be done only within marriage. In some cultures, expression of sexual desire and
engaging in premarital sex are taboo for women.

THE PHASES OF SEXUAL RESPONSE

William Masters and Virginia Johnson found that the biological responses of males and females to
sexual stimulation are quite similar. They use the term sexual-response cycle to describe the
changes that occur in the body as men and women become sexually aroused. They divide the
sexual-response cycle into four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

The excitement phase is the beginning of sexual arousal and can last from one minute to several
hours. During this phase, pulse rate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing quickens, and the
skin shows a rosy flush particularly on the chest and breast areas. The nipples harden in both men
and women. In men, the penis becomes erect, the skin of the scrotum thickens, and the testes
increase in size. In women, the clitoris swells, the lips of the vagina open and its insides become wet
in preparation for sexual intercourse.

In the plateau phase, the changes in the body continue. In men, the penis becomes more erect, the
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circumference of its head increases, and few drops of fluid are released. In women, the outer part of
the vagina swells with the surge of increased amounts of blood to that area, while the clitoris retracts
under the clitoral hood but remains highly sensitive. The outer lips of the vagina become redder in
color. Breathing becomes more rapid, heart rate increases, body temperature rises, and blood
pressure increases during this stage.

During the orgasmic phase, contractions of the muscles in and around the penis stimulate the
release of the semen which contains sperm cells. Men usually achieve one intense orgasm during
sexual intercourse. In women, orgasm involves the contraction of the pelvic muscles that surround
the vaginal walls and can happen multiple times.
In the resolution phase, the body returns to its normal state after orgasm. In men, the erection is
lost, the testes decrease in size, and the skin of the scrotum thins again. In women, the clitoris, and
the vagina return to their normal state.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: THE DIVERSITY OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

Sexual orientation refers to a person's sexual identity anchored on what gender they are attracted
to. The most common sexual orientation in which one is sexually attracted to members of the
opposite sex is heterosexuality. Homosexuality, on the other hand, is the orientation of one who is
sexually attracted to the same sex. Homosexual males are referred to as gays, while homosexual
females are referred to as lesbians. Bisexuality is an orientation where one is attracted to both
opposite and same sex.

Theories of the origins of sexual orientation look at both the biological makeup of the individual and
the environmental influences on his or her orientation (Rathus, 2017). Some explanations for
homosexuality and bisexuality are biological in nature, suggesting that genetic factors such as
hormones and certain neural systems may also play a role in sexual orientation. Nevertheless,
research studies on the biological causes of homosexuality and bisexuality are not conclusive.
Reinforcement and observational learning might also affect an individual's sexual orientation.
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SUMMARY:

Primary sex characteristics are the physical characteristics present at birth which are directly
involved in reproduction while secondary sex characteristics develop during the onset of puberty.

The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction or sexual function.

Erogenous zones are areas of the body that provide pleasure which include the genitals, mouth,
breasts, ears, and anus.

William Masters and Virginia Johnson used the term sexual-response cycle to describe the changes
that occur in the body as men and women become sexually aroused. They divide the sexual-
response cycle into four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Sexual orientation refers to a person’s sexual identity anchored on what gender they are attracted
to.

APPLICATION # 8:
You may browse your notes and module to aid in answering the following activity.

Critical Thinking – Essay (5 points each – 10 points)

Instruction: In not more than 7 sentences for each number, write an essay regarding the
following question/statement. Briefly elaborate on your answer.

1. In your opinion, how should the LGBTQ+ community be accepted in our country?

2. Do you agree with Pope Francis in supporting civil union for same sex couples?
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ACTIVITY/EVALUATION # 8:
This is a closed module activity. Please observe honesty.

Fill in the blanks. (1 point each – 10 points)

Instruction: Read each statement or question below carefully and fill in the blank(s) with the
correct answer.
Time limit: 10 minutes

1. Masters and Johnson divide the sexual-response cycle into four phases: the excitement,
plateau, _______________, and resolution.
2. In women, the _______________ produce estrogen and progesterone.
3. The most common sexual orientation is _______________.
4. In the _______________ phase, the body returns to its normal state after orgasm.
5. The _______________ is responsible for the production sperm cells and male sex hormones.
6. _______________________ develop during the onset of puberty.
7. The _______________ is a set of coiled ducts connected to the vas deferens where the
sperm cells are stored.
8. _______________ are areas of the body which are highly sensitive and produce sexual
responses when stimulated.
9. Sperm cells can live up to ______ hours inside the uterus.
10. _______________ people are those who believe they were born with the body of the
opposite sex.

REINFORCEMENT/ASSIGNMENT # 8:
You may browse your notes and module to aid in answering the following activities.

Reflection – Essay (5 points)

Instruction: In not more than 5 sentences, write an essay regarding the following question. Briefly
elaborate on your answer.

 What are the important things you learned and insights you gained about the lesson?
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REMINDER:
 Do advance reading of module # 9 in Understanding the Self entitled The Sexual Self:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Prevention.

ONLINE RESOURCES:
 Male reproductive system
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/courses-images/wp-content/uploads/sites/
1940/2017/05/31173238/male-anatomy.png
 Female reproductive system
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/courses-images/wp-content/uploads/sites/
1940/2017/05/31173241/eproductive-system-lateral.png
 Ten hotspots on her body and yours
https://pics.me.me/ten-hot-spots-on-her-body-and-yours-men-and-14519677.png

REFERENCE:
 Go-Monilla, M.J. & Ramirez, N. (2018). Understanding the Self. C & E Publishing, Inc.