BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVE IN

GENDER AND SEXUALITY

Anatomy and Physiology of

Reproduction
The Biological Female

The female sexual anatomy is designed for the production

and fertilization of ovum, as well as carrying and delivering
infant offspring. Puberty signals the final development of
primary and accessory organs that support reproduction
The female external genitalia consist of the following;

Vulva – all the external genital structures taken together

Mons veneris – pads of fatty issue between public bone and

skin;

Prepuce – clitoral hood (foreskin above and covering

clitoris);

Clitoris – glans (head), shaft, and crura (root), the clitoris is

particularly sensitive to simulation;

Labia majora – outer lips surrounding all other structures

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 openings – end of tube connecting to

bladder and used for urination;

Vaginal opening – also called introitus; and

Perineum – area of skin separating the genitalia

from the anus; distance is less in female than
males.
B. The female internal reproductive structures
consist of the following:

•Vagina – collapsible canal extending from vaginal

opening back and upward into the body to cervix
and uterus. During arousal, it is engorged with
blood. This aids its expansion and triggers the
release of lubricants from vaginal function.

•Cervix – small end of uterus to which vagina

leads. It is the opening in cervix leading to
interior of uterus.

•Uterus – womb, organ within pelvic zone where

fetus is carried
• Fallopian tubes – carry egg cells from the
ovaries to uterus, this is where the fertilization
occurs and

• Ovaries - produce estrogen and progesterone.

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. Also, produce ova, egg cells and bring
them to maturity. As many as 1 million immature
ova are present at birth, with about 400,000
surviving to puberty. Of these, only 400-450 are
typically brought to maturity and releases into the
fallopian tubes.
 Puberty

The menstrual cycle marks the beginning of puberty in

females. The first episode occurs between 11 to 15 years
of age referred to as menarche. 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 a cycle ranging from 24 to 42 days. Regardless of
the length of the cycle, menstruation begins about 14
days after ovulation (plus or minus one to two days). The
overall cycle governed by the hypothalamus as it
monitors hormone levels in the bloodstream.
Menstrual Phase

This occurs if the ovum is not fertilized and does not implant itself into
the uterine lining. The continued high levels of estrogen and progesterone
cause the pituitary to stop releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
and luteinizing hormone (LH). Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease
casing the endometrium to be sloughed off, and blessing ensues.
Proliferative Phase

It occurs when the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to

release FSH that stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and
causes ova to mature in the ovarian follicles. Endometrium is
repaired thickens, and becomes well-vascularized in response to
increasing levels of estrogens.
Secretory Phase

It occurs when the pituitary gland releases LH that causes the ovary to
release a mature ovum and the causes the remaining portion of the follicle
to develop into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then, produces
progesterone. Endometrical glands begin to secrete nutrients, and the
lining becomes more vascular in response to increasing level of
progesterone.
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 Breast - at puberty, both the glandular and fatty

tissues of the breasts develop considerably. Differences in breast size
between women are primarily due to differences in the amount of fatty
issue.
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; and

 Lower mortality rate at every age and longer projected lifespan than men.
The Biological Male
The male sexual anatomy is designed for the production and delivery
of sperm for fertilization of the female’s ovum. Puberty signals the
final development of primary and accessory organs that support
reproduction.
A. The male external genitalia;
B. The male internal
reproductive organs:
• Testes
• Vas Deferens
• Seminal vesicles
• Ejaculatory ducts
• Prostrate
• Urethra
 More Male Characteristics

 Generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water.

 Proportionately larger heart and lungs, presumably to handle greater blood

fluid volume.

 Exposure to greater levels of testosterone resulting in heavier body and facial

hair, but also increased frequency and degree of baldness.
 Male Hormones
The testosterone is the major male hormone produced mainly by the testes,
Testosterone is responsible for the growth and development of a boy during
adolescence and for the development of sperm and secondary sexual
characteristics.

Male secondary sexual characteristics that emerge after puberty.

 No monthly cycle;
 Elongation of vocal cords (lower voice)
 Broader shoulders
 Deeper chest cavity