Lesson 5

Unpacking the Self

Lesson Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

1. Discuss the developmental aspect of the reproductive system,
2. Describe the erogenous zones,
3. Explain human sexual behavior,
4. Characterize the diversity of sexual behavior,
5. Describe sexually transmitted diseases; and
6. Differentiate natural and artificial methods of contraception.

Female Reproductive System

By: Tim Barclay, PhD

Medically reviewed by: Stephanie Curreli, MD, PhD
Last Updated: Jul 25, 2018

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva,
mammary glands and breasts. These organs are involved in the production and transportation of gametes
and the production of sex hormones. The female reproductive system also facilitates the fertilization of ova
by sperm and supports the development of offspring during pregnancy and infancy.

Female Reproductive System Anatomy

Ovaries
The ovaries are a pair of small glands about the size and shape of almonds, located on the left and
right sides of the pelvic body cavity lateral to the superior portion of the uterus. Ovaries produce female
sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone as well as ova (commonly called “eggs”), the female
gametes. Ova are produced from oocyte cells that slowly develop throughout a woman’s early life and
reach maturity after puberty. Each month during ovulation, a mature ovum is released. The ovum travels
from the ovary to the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilized before reaching the uterus.

Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes are a pair of muscular tubes that extend from the left and right superior corners
of the uterus to the edge of the ovaries. The fallopian tubes end in a funnel-shaped structure called the
infundibulum, which is covered with small finger-like projections called fimbriae. The fimbriae swipe over
the outside of the ovaries to pick up released ova and carry them into the infundibulum for transport to
the uterus. The inside of each fallopian tube is covered in cilia that work with the smooth muscle of the
tube to carry the ovum to the uterus.

Uterus
The uterus is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located posterior and superior to the urinary
bladder. Connected to the two fallopian tubes on its superior end and to the vagina (via the cervix) on its
inferior end, the uterus is also known as the womb, as it surrounds and supports the developing fetus
during pregnancy. The inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, provides support to the
embryo during early development. The visceral muscles of the uterus contract during childbirth to push the
fetus through the birth canal.
Vagina
The vagina is an elastic, muscular tube that connects the cervix of the uterus to the exterior of the
body. It is located inferior to the uterus and posterior to the urinary bladder. The vagina functions as the
receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse and carries sperm to the uterus and fallopian tubes. It
also serves as the birth canal by stretching to allow delivery of the fetus during childbirth. During
menstruation, the menstrual flow exits the body via the vagina.

Vulva
The vulva is the collective name for the external female genitalia located in the pubic region of the
body. The vulva surrounds the external ends of the urethral opening and the vagina and includes the mons
pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. The mons pubis, or pubic mound, is a raised layer of adipose
tissue between the skin and the pubic bone that provides cushioning to the vulva. The inferior portion of
the mons pubis splits into left and right halves called the labia majora. The mons pubis and labia majora are
covered with pubic hairs. Inside of the labia majora are smaller, hairless folds of skin called the labia
minora that surround the vaginal and urethral openings. On the superior end of the labia minora is a small
mass of erectile tissue known as the clitoris that contains many nerve endings for sensing sexual pleasure.

Breasts and Mammary Glands

The breasts are specialized organs of the female body that contain mammary glands, milk ducts,
and adipose tissue. The two breasts are located on the left and right sides of the thoracic region of the
body. In the center of each breast is a highly pigmented nipple that releases milk when stimulated. The
areola, a thickened, highly pigmented band of skin that surrounds the nipple, protects the underlying
tissues during breastfeeding. The mammary glands are a special type of sudoriferous glands that have been
modified to produce milk to feed infants. Within each breast, 15 to 20 clusters of mammary glands become
active during pregnancy and remain active until milk is no longer needed. The milk passes through milk
ducts on its way to the nipple, where it exits the body.

Female Reproductive System Physiology

The Reproductive Cycle
The female reproductive cycle is the process of producing an ovum and readying the uterus to
receive a fertilized ovum to begin pregnancy. If an ovum is produced but not fertilized and implanted in the
uterine wall, the reproductive cycle resets itself through menstruation. The entire reproductive cycle takes
about 28 days on average, but may be as short as 24 days or as long as 36 days for some women.

Oogenesis and Ovulation

Under the influence of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), the ovaries
produce a mature ovum in a process known as ovulation. By about 14 days into the reproductive cycle, an
oocyte reaches maturity and is released as an ovum. Although the ovaries begin to mature many oocytes
each month, usually only one ovum per cycle is released.

Fertilization
Once the mature ovum is released from the ovary, the fimbriae catch the egg and direct it down the
fallopian tube to the uterus. It takes about a week for the ovum to travel to the uterus. If sperm are able to
reach and penetrate the ovum, the ovum becomes a fertilized zygote containing a full complement of DNA.
After a two-week period of rapid cell division known as the germinal period of development, the zygote
forms an embryo. The embryo will then implant itself into the uterine wall and develop there during
pregnancy.

Menstruation
 While the ovum matures and travels through the fallopian tube, the endometrium grows and
develops in preparation for the embryo. If the ovum is not fertilized in time or if it fails to implant into the
endometrium, the arteries of the uterus constrict to cut off blood flow to the endometrium. The lack of
blood flow causes cell death in the endometrium and the eventual shedding of tissue in a process known
as menstruation. In a normal menstrual cycle, this shedding begins around day 28 and continues into the
first few days of the new reproductive cycle.

Pregnancy
If the ovum is fertilized by a sperm cell, the fertilized embryo will implant itself into the
endometrium and begin to form an amniotic cavity, umbilical cord, and placenta. For the first 8 weeks, the
embryo will develop almost all of the tissues and organs present in the adult before entering the fetal
period of development during weeks 9 through 38. During the fetal period, the fetus grows larger and
more complex until it is ready to be born.

Lactation
Lactation is the production and release of milk to feed an infant. The production of milk begins prior
to birth under the control of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is produced in response to the suckling of an
infant on the nipple, so milk is produced as long as active breastfeeding occurs. As soon as an infant is
weaned, prolactin and milk production end soon after. The release of milk by the nipples is known as the
“milk-letdown reflex” and is controlled by the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is also produced in response to
infant suckling so that milk is only released when an infant is actively feeding.

The Male Reproductive System

The functions of the male reproductive system include producing and transporting sperm,
ejaculating sperm into the female reproductive tract, and producing and secreting male hormones. Most of
the male reproductive system is located outside of the body. These external structures are the penis,
scrotum, epididymis, and testes. The internal organs of the male reproductive system are called accessory
organs. They include the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.

The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse and urination. Semen and urine leave the penis through
the urethra. The scrotum is a loose, pouch-like sack of skin that hangs behind the penis, containing the
testes.

The scrotum has a protective function, including the maintenance of optimal temperatures for sperm
survival and function. For sperm development, the testes must maintain a temperature slightly cooler than
normal body temperature. Special muscles in the wall of the scrotum contract and relax in order to move
the testes near the body.

Accessory Sex Organs

The internal organs of the male reproductive system are called accessory organs. They include the vas
deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands.

Vas deferens:
Transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.
Seminal vesicles: Sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferens near the base of the bladder. The vesicles
produce molecules such as fructose that serve as energy sources for sperm. The seminal vesicle fluid
makes up most of the volume of a man’s ejaculate.

Prostate gland:
A walnut-sized structure located below the urinary bladder in front of the rectum. It contributes
additional fluid to the ejaculate that serves as nourishment for sperm.
Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands:
Pea-sized structures located on the sides of the urethra just below the prostate gland. These glands
produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra. Fluid produced by these glands
lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acidity associated with residual urine.

Scrotum
The purpose of the scrotum is to provide the testes with a chamber of appropriate temperature for
optimal sperm production.

Testes
The testis is homologous to the ovary in that it produces the male gamete (sperm) while the ovary
produces the female gamete (egg).

Penis
In human males, the penis serves as both a reproductive organ and as a urinal duct.

The penis and clitoris (found in women) are homologous organs.

The various parts of the male penis are homologous to parts of the female clitoris:

The Penis As a Sexual Organ

An erection is the stiffening and rising of the penis that facilitates sexual arousal, though it can also
happen in nonsexual situations. The primary physiological mechanism that brings about an erection is the
autonomic dilation of arteries supplying blood to the penis. This allows more blood to fill the three spongy
erectile tissue chambers in the penis, causing it to lengthen and stiffen.

The engorged erectile tissue presses against and constricts the veins that carry blood away from the penis.
More blood enters than leaves the penis until an equilibrium is reached where an equal volume of blood
flows into the dilated arteries and out of the constricted veins; a constant erectile size is achieved at this
equilibrium.

Ejaculation is the ejection of semen from the penis and is usually accompanied by orgasm. A series
of muscular contractions delivers semen, containing sperm cells or spermatozoa, from the penis. It is
usually the result of sexual stimulation, including prostate stimulation. Ejaculation may occur
spontaneously during sleep (known as a nocturnal emission or “wet dream”). Ejaculation has two phases:
emission and ejaculation proper.

Prostate Gland Physiology and Function

The prostate secretes a slightly acidic fluid, milky or white in appearance, that usually constitutes
20–30% of the volume of the semen along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid. The prostatic fluid is
expelled in the first ejaculate fractions, together with most of the spermatozoa. In comparison with the
few spermatozoa expelled in seminal vesicular fluid, those expelled in prostatic fluid have better motility,
longer survival, and better protection of the genetic material. The prostate also contains some smooth
muscles that help expel semen during ejaculation.

Bulbourethral Glands

Bulbourethral glands are located posterior and lateral to the membranous portion of the urethra at
the base of the penis, between the two layers of the fascia of the urogenital diaphragm in the deep
perineal pouch. They are enclosed by transverse fibers of the sphincter urethrae membranacea muscle.
The bulbourethral glands are compound tubulo-alveolar glands, each approximately the size of a pea. They
are composed of several lobules held together by a fibrous covering. Each lobule opens into a duct that
joins with the ducts of other lobules to form a single excretory duct. This duct is approximately 2.5 cm long
and opens into the urethra at the base of the penis. The glands gradually diminish in size with advancing
age.

During sexual arousal, each gland produces a clear, salty, viscous secretion known as pre-ejaculate. This
fluid helps to lubricate the urethra for spermatozoa to pass through, neutralizes traces of acidic urine in
the urethra, and helps flush out any residual urine or foreign matter. It is possible for this fluid to pick up
sperm remaining in the urethral bulb from previous ejaculations and carry them out prior to the next
ejaculation.

Sources:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-male-reproductive-system/ 6/25/2019
https://www.innerbody.com/image/repfov.html. The Female Reproductive System
6/25/2019
Human Sexual Behavior

Human sexual behavior is defined as any activity- solitary or between two persons or a group of
persons that induces sexual arousal. (Gebhrand, PH. 2017) There are two major factors to determine
sexual behaviors. First is the inherited sexual response to ensure reproduction as part of genetic
inheritance and the other is degree if expression of his sexuality.

Types of Human Sexual Behavior

1. Solitary Behavior- Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and
generally a sexual climax.
2. Socio-sexual Behavior- Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of socio-sexual behavior that
occurs between only one male and one female. The physical contact is considered as an important
learning process like courtship in the selection of marriage partner.

Physiology of Human Sexual Response

1. Excitement Phase- caused by increased in pulse and blood pressure, a sudden rise in the blood
supply to the surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing and swelling of
all distensible body parts, more rapid breathing, secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion and
increase of the muscle tension.
2. Plateau Phase- it is generally of a brief duration, if the stimulation is continued, orgasm usually
occurs.
3. Sexual Climax- It is marked by the feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a rapid increase in pulse rate
and blood pressure and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of the female
reproductive organ and ejaculation by the male.
4. Resolution Phase- It is the last stage that refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiologic
state.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

1. Gonorrhea- Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can cause very serious
complications when not treated, but can be cured with the right medication. Gonorrhea is a
sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in
the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially among young people ages
15-24 years.

2. Syphilis- is a really common STD. Syphilis is spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Syphilis
causes sores on your genitals (called chancres). The sores are usually painless, but they can easily
spread the infection to other people. You get syphilis from contact with the sores.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is
a different virus than HIV and HSV (herpes). 79 million Americans, most in their late teens and early
20s, are infected with HPV. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health
problems including genital warts and cancers.

4. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)- The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that
causes herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or
mouth.HSV-1: primarily causes oral herpes, and is generally responsible for cold sores and fever
blisters around the mouth and on the face.

5. Trichomonas Vaginalis- Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted

disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are
infected
 6. HIV- stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person's immune system by
destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV. But with
proper medical care, HIV can be controlled.

How to stop the spread of STD/HIV? Ways to prevent the spread of STD/HIV:
1. Abstinence- not having sex.
2. Be faithful- if you are married, have sex with your partner only or if you are single stay on one lover
and no to multiple sex partners.
3. Never share needles.
4. Use condoms properly and right away every time you engage into sex. (Safe Sex practice)

Sources:
Eden Joy Alata and Bernardo Nicholas Caslib and et. Al., 2018 Understanding the Self: Rex Bookstore, Manila, Philippines. Pgs 41-
62
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prevention.html 6/27/2019
 Activity 5
Dear Future Husband/Wife

Instruction: Paste a picture of your girlfriend or your boyfriend. Write a short dedication for him/her.