Biomedical Perspective in
Gender and Sexuality
Chapter II
Objectives
• Differentiate the female and the male
reproductive system.
• Understand the basis for physiologic
processes in female and males.
• Define fertilization, Concepcion and
pregnancy.
• Explain how pregnancy occurs and its
prevention.
Objectives
• Identify the complications of early pregnancy
in the growing adolescents.
• Identify the important health habits for the
developing adolescents.
• Know when to seek help from a health care
professional.
• Identify the risky behaviors of the growing
adolescents.
1.1 Anatomy and Physiology
of Reproduction
Lesson 1
The Biological Female
Female External
Genitalia
all the external genital
structures taken
together
Female External
Genitalia
pads of fatty issue
between public bone
and skin
Female External
Genitalia
outer lips surrounding all
other structures
Female External
Genitalia
clitoral hood (foreskin
above and covering
clitoris)
Female External
Genitalia
glans (head), shaft, and
crura (root), the clitoris
is particularly sensitive
to simulation
Female External
Genitalia
inner lips surrounding
the vestibule where
sweat and oil glands,
extensive blood vessels,
and nerve endings are
located
Female External
Genitalia
area surrounding the
urethral opening and
vagina, which is highly
sensitive with extensive
blood vessels and nerve
endings
Female External
Genitalia
end of tube connecting
to bladder and used for
urination
Female External
Genitalia
area of skin separating
the genitalia from the
anus; distance is less in
female than males
Female Internal
Reproductive
Structures
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.
Female Internal
Reproductive
Structures
Carry egg cells from
the ovaries to uterus,
this is where the
fertilization occurs.
Female Internal
Reproductive
Structures
• Produce estrogen
and progesterone.
• Estrogen influences
female sex
characteristics and
initiates menstrual
cycle.
Female Internal
Reproductive
Structures
• Progesterone aids in
regulation of
menstrual cycle and
promotes mature
development of
uterine lining to allow
for zygote
implantation.
Female Internal
Reproductive
Structures
• 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.
Female Internal
Reproductive
Structures
• Of these, only 400-
450 are typically
brought to maturity
and releases into the
fallopian tubes.
PUBERTY
THREE PHASES
Menstrual Phase
THREE PHASES
Proliferative Phase
THREE PHASES
Secretory Phase
Female Secondary Sexual
Characteristics Emerge after Puberty:
Widening of hips and pelvis – accommodates
giving birth, but also results in downward shift in
center of gravity.
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.
Female Secondary Sexual
Characteristics Emerge after Puberty:
Generally shorter than men.
Greater proportion of body weight composed of
fat than men.
Two X chromosomes reduces expression of
many sex-linked conditions.
Lower mortality rate at every age andlonger
projected lifespan than men.
The Biological Male
Male External
Genitalia
foreskin covering the
head of penis, removed
in male circumcision
Male External
Genitalia
glans (head), shaft and
root. The glans is
particularly sensitive to
stimulation.
Male External
Genitalia
rim of glans where it
arises from the shaft
Male External
Genitalia
thick strip of skin connecting
gland and shaft on underside
of penis
Scrotum – sac that encloses
the two compartments housing
the testes.
Male External
Genitalia
found on head of penis this is
the end of the connected to
bladder and used for urination.
It is also tube to which internal
structures deliver semen by
which male ejaculates.
Male External
Genitalia
area of skin separating
the genitalia from the
anus, distance is greater
in males than females
Male Internal
Reproductive
Structures
productive androgen,
particularly large
quantities of
testosterone, which
greatly influence male
development and drive
sexual motivation
Male Internal
Reproductive
Structures
produce sperm cells in
virtually unlimited
quantity over the entire
course of the lifespan
Male Internal
Reproductive
Structures
travels from testicle
toward urethra carrying
sperm
Male Internal
Reproductive
Structures
two glands that
produce alkaline fluid
rich in fructose sugar
comprising some 70%
of semen volume
Male Internal
Reproductive
Structures
connect vas deferens
to urethra
Male Internal
Reproductive
Structures
gland producing
alkaline secretions that
account for about 30%
of semen volume
Male Internal
Reproductive
Structures
tube within penis that
carries sperm and
semen the rest of the
way to the opening of
the penis
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 Characteristics
Single X chromosome resulting in sex-
linked conditions such as color blindness
and haemophilia.
Male Hormones
Male secondary sexual characteristics
that emerge after puberty
No monthly cycle
Elongation of vocal cords (lower voice)
Broader shoulders
Deeper chest cavity
