10. Sexual behaviour Flashcards
(32 cards)
What are the two sexes in humans?
Internal and external
What is our external sex?
External genitalia- outward appearance of the individual from birth
What is our internal sex?
Internal reproductive organs
What are primary sexual characteristics?
Externally visible at birth- vagina, labia, penis, scrotum
What are secondary sexual characteristics?
Become apparent during puberty- body hair, breast development, figure change, facial hair, deepening of voice
What is our sexual identity?
Does not coincide with a person’s anatomical sex
What are sexually differentiated behaviour?
Other behaviours that are regarded as ‘female-typical’ and ‘male-typical’
How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have?
22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosome
What do all embryos at 6 weeks of conception have?
- Internal embryonic glands
- Mullerian ducts can develop to female internal organs
Wolffian ducts can develop into male sex organs
What gene triggers the development of male sex organs?
Sry gene on the Y chromosome triggers the synthesis of Sry protein.
This stimulates the medulla of the primordial gonad to develop into a testis
What is androgen testosterone responsible for?
Causes the male embryo to develop male internal and external genitalia form the Wolffian system
What is AMH (anit-mullerian hormone) responsible for?
Prevents the development of female internal genitalia from the mullerian system
How do female reproductive hormones develop?
The absence of testosterone- normal development from the mullerian ducts
What are the glans in each sex?
Male- head of penis
Female- Clitoris
What are the urethral folds in each sex?
Male- they fuse
Female- become labia minora
What is the lateral body in each sex?
Male- shaft of penis
Female- Hood of clitoris
What are the labioscrotal swelling in each sex?
Male- scrotum
Female- Labia majora
What are the tanner stages of puberty in females?
- Prepubescent
- Development of breast and nipples
- First menstruation
- Ovulation
- Adulthood
What are the tanner stages of puberty in males?
- Prepubescent
- Scrotum and testes emerge
- Growth of penis
- Penis is enlarged, development of glans
- Adulthood
What starts puberty?
Internal and external cues- typically a biological clock
What two hormones start sexual maturation?
FSH and LH
What levels of androgen and oestrogen are in pubertal males and females?
Males- androgen higher than oestrogen
Females- oestrogen higher than androgen
What are some secondary sexual characteristics that develop in females?
Breast growth
Changes in figure
Increasing fat in bottom and thighs
Development of underarm and pubic hair in femlaes
What are some secondary sexual characteristics that develop in males?
Broadening of figure
Deepening of voice
Development of facial, underarm and pubic hair
