THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE – anatomy the study of
body structure in relation to body parts. The female
sexual anatomy is designed for the production and
fertilization of ovum, as well as carrying and
delivering infant offspring.
The female external genitalia consist of the
following:
• Vulva – all the external genital structures
taken together.
• Mons veneris – pads of fatty tissue between
pubic bone and skin
• Labia majora – outer lips surrounding all the
other structures
• Prepuce – clitoral hood (foreskin above and
covering clitoris0
• Clitoris – glans (head), shaft, and crura
(root), the clitoris particularly sensitive to
stimulation
• 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 opening – end of tube connecting
to bladder and used for urination
• Vaginal opening – also called introitus; and
• Perineum – area of skin separating the
genitalia form the anus; distance is less in
females than males
Female secondary sexual
The female internal reproductive structures
emerge after puberty:
consist of the following:
• Vagina – collapsible canal extending
from vaginal opening back and upward
into body to cervix and uterus. During
arousal, it is engorged with blood. This
aids its expansion and triggers the
release of lubricants from vaginal
mucosa
• Cervix – small end of uterus to which
vagina leads. It is the opening in cervix
leading to interior of uterus
• Uterus – womb, organ with pelvic zone
where fetus is carried
• Fallopian tubes – carry egg cells from
ovaries to uterus, this is where
fertilization occurs
• Ovaries – produce estrogen and
progesterone. Estrogen influences
female sex characteristics and initiates
menstrual cycle. Progesterone aids in
regulation of menstrual cycle and
THE BIOLOGICAL MALE – the male sexual anatomy
promotes mature development of
is designed for the production and delivery of sperm
uterine lining to allow for zygote
implantation.
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 is governed by the
hypothalamus as it monitors hormone levels
in the bloodstream.
Menstrual phase – occurs if the ovum is not
fertilized and does not implant itself into the
uterine lining.
Proliferative phase – 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 ovaria follicles.
Secretory phase – occurs when the pituitary
gland releases LH that causes the ovary to
release mature ovum and causes the
remaining portion of the follicle to develop
into the corpus luteum.
Corpus luteum – produces progesterone
characteristics
• Widening of hips and pelvis -
accommodates giving birth, but also
results downward shift in center of
gravity.
• Enlargement of breasts – 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 tissue. It is also not
uncommon for one of a woman's breasts
to be slightly larger than the other. The
glandular tissue of the breasts responds
to sex hormones, and the breasts are
involved in a women's sexual arousal.
The glandular tissue produces milk
toward the end of pregnancy and after
childbirth in response to hormone levels.
for fertilization of the female’s ovum. Puberty
signals the final development of primary and
accessory organs that support reproduction.
The male external genitals consist of the following
structures:
• Prepuce – foreskin covering head of penis,
removed in male circumcision
• Penis – glans (head), shaft, and root. The
glans is particularly sensitive to stimulation.
Running the length of the penis is the
urethra surrounded by the spongy body and
two cylindrical chambers known as the
cavernous bodies. During arousal, these
become engorged with blood, resulting in
erection
• Corona – rim of glans where it arises from
shaft
• Frenulum – thin strip of skin connecting
glans and shaft on underside of penis
• Scrotum – sac that encloses the two
compartments housing the testes
• Urethral opening – found on head of penis
this is the end of tube connected to bladder
and used for urination. It is also tube to
which internal structures deliver semen y
which male ejaculates
• Perineum – area of skin separating the
genitalia from the anus, distance is greater in
males than females.
The male internal reproductive organs:
• Testes – produce androgen, particularly
large quantities of testosterone, which
greatly influence male development and
drive sexual motivation; also produce sperm
cells in virtually unlimited quantity over the
entire course of the lifespan
• Vas deferens – travels from testicle toward
urethra carrying sperm
• Seminal vesicles – two glands that produce
alkaline fluid rich in fructose sugar,
compromising some 70% of semen volume.
Alkaline nature may stimulate sperm to start
self-propulsion and sugar may provide
sperm nutrients. Ducts carry fluid and
connect with vas deferens forming
ejaculatory ducts
• Ejaculatory ducts – connect vas deferens to
urethra
• Prostate – gland producing alkaline
secretions that account for about 30% of
semen volume. Alkaline nature may help
counteract otherwise, acidic environment of
urethra and vagina making them more
hospitable for sperm. Fluid passes through a
series of ducts along wall of urethra
• Urethra – tube within penis that carries
sperm and semen the rest of the way to the
opening of the penis
Male Hormones – The testosterone is the major
male hormone produced mainly by the testes,
but there are other glands called the adrenal
glands that also produces some testosterone. In
case a man has lost his testes, these glands
would continue to produce testosterone to
support the male physical appearance.
Testosterone is responsible for the growth and
development of a boy during adolescence and
for the development of sperm and secondary
sexual characteristics.
Ovulation – the process when a mature ovum is
released from the ovary and travels to the
fallopian tube for possible fertilization.
Fertilization – union of the sperm and the ovum.
Pregnancy – the process when an offspring
develops within the mother’s womb.
Female puberty – begins at 8-13 years of age
Male condom – rubber sheath that fits over the
penis
Implantable Hormone Device – continuous
release of hormones. Implant of the capsule in
the upper arm; done by the doctor
Calendar method – woman predicts the day of
ovulation by keeping a calendar of the length or
each menstrual cycle
Sterilization – vasectomy for males and tubal
ligation for females. Passageway for the sperm
or the egg is surgically tied.
Birth control pill – contain synthetic estrogen
Birth control injection – given in the first days of
the menstruation and then every 2-3 months
Withdrawal – removal of the penis from the
vagina before ejaculation
Intrauterine Device (IUD) – inserted inside the
uterus by a doctor
Health – a state of complete physical, mental,
and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity
Hygiene – refers to behaviors that can improve
cleanliness and lead to good health, such as
frequent handwashing, face washing, and
bathing with soap and water. Practicing personal
hygiene etiquette is difficult, especially in many
areas of the world, due to lack of clean water
and soap. Inappropriate washing of hands, face,
and body can spread many diseases.
Sexual health – refers to a state of physical,
emotional, mental, and social well-being in
relation to sexuality; It is not merely the absence
of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Sexual
health requires a positive and respectful
approach to sexuality and sexual relationships,
as well as the possibility of having pleasurable
and safe sexual experience, free of coercion,
discrimination, and violence. For sexual health
to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights
of all persons must be respected, protected, and
fulfilled.
Oily hair – the hormones that create acne are
the same ones that can make you feel like you’re
suddenly styling your hair with a comb dipped in
motor oil.
Sweat and Body odor – Perspiration or sweat,
comes from sweat glands that you have always
had in your body. But thanks to puberty, these
glands not only become more active than
before, but they also begin to secrete different
chemicals into the sweat that has a stronger
smelling odor. You might notice this odor under
your arms in your armpits. Your feet and genitals
might also have new smells.
Body hair – in new places is something you can
count on --- again, they are hormones in action.
You may want to start shaving some places
where body hair grows, but whether you do is
up to you.
Dental Hygiene – dentists say that the most
important part of tooth care happens at home.
Brushing and flossing properly, along with
regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth
decay and gum disease.
Risk – the probability that a hazard in the
environment can actually negatively affect the
individual
Risk-taking – a behavior of doing something
regardless of potential loss.
COMMON DRUGS ABUSED BY YOUNG PEOPLE
AND THEIR EFFECTS:
• Marijuana – is a plant grown and used
worldwide. Usually, people smoke the
leaves, but the leaves and the stem can
be made into tea, or even cookies. The
effects vary. You can stay under the
influence for about two or three hours.
Some people become relaxed and happy
while others feel panic or fear. Users’
eyes usually become red, and their
throats and mouths will become dry.
Appetite may increase.
• Mairungi – is the common name for a
stimulant leaf that is chewed in much of
East Africa. Chewing Mairungi can help
someone feel more awake, confident,
and energetic and can also reduce
hunger. In fact, many students use it
when “cramming” for exams.
• Alcohol – is the most common drug and
is used worldwide. Because it is legal,
often kept in the home and comes in
extremely cheap local brews, alcohol is
extremely easy to find and consume. At
first, alcohol causes relaxation and
people feel less self-conscious. After
more alcohol, and individual gets drunk;
reaction time slows down and thinking
straight becomes difficult.
• Cigarettes – many young people start
smoking tobacco products for different
reason including influence of friends,
seductive advertisements, and older role
models like siblings or celebrities, to
mention a few. Young people find
smoking a cool thing to do, but they
become addicted to one of the most
addictive and dangerous substances,
Nicotine, which is an active ingredient in
tobacco.
• Cocaine – is prepared from coca leaves
which are greenish-yellow leaves of
different size and appearance. Cocaine is
often called the champagne of drugs
because of its high cost. It makes one feel
like his/her body is going very fast.
His/her heart races and the “highs” and
“lows” are sudden. Crack, which is
smoked, is a much stronger form of
cocaine. Cocaine usually comes in a
white powdered form and crack looks
like hard white rocks. It is usually snorted
up the nose. It can also be injected or
smoked.
• Heroine – is a drug obtained from
morphine and comes from the opium
poppy plant. Heroin is a drug that slows
down the user’s body and mind. It is a
very strong painkiller and can be one of
the most dangerous things to mix with
other drugs. Heroin usually comes in a
rock or powdered form, which is
generally white or pink/beige in color
and could also come in dark
grey/medium brown. Heroin can be
injected, snorted, smoked, or inhaled.
This las method is often called “chasing
the dragon”.
• Amphetamines – are stimulants that
affect a person’s system by speeding up
the activity of the brain and giving
energy. Ice is a strong type of
amphetamine and is very similar to
crack. Amphetamines are man-made
drugs and relatively easy to make.
Usually, they are white or light brown
powder and can also come the form of a
pill. “Ice” usually comes as colorless
crystals or as a colorless liquid when used
for injecting. It can be swallowed,
snorted, injected, or smoked.
• Ecstasy – belongs to the same group of
chemicals as the above category that is
stimulants and is most often used in the
form of tablets at rave parties. Ecstasy is
a drug that speeds up the user’s system
by increasing his/her physical and
emotional energy. Like amphetamines,
ecstasy is also a synthetic (or man-made)
drug. Ecstasy is usually a small, colored
tablet. These pills can come in many
different colors. Some ecstasy tablets
have pictures on them, such as doves,
rabbits, or champagne bottles. The color
or the “brand” of the tablet is usually
unrelated to the effects of the drug.
Ecstasy tablets are usually swallowed.
• Inhalants and solvents – are chemicals
that can be inhaled, such as glue,
gasoline, aerosol sprays, lighter fluid, etc.
These are not drugs as such and are, in
fact, legally available from a large
number of shops. However, they are
abused widely by the poorer sections of
society, particularly street youth.
Inhalants can look like almost anything
(glue, paint thinner, gasoline, lighter fuel,
cleaning fluids, etc.). They usually come
in tubes or bottles. Often, the chemical is
placed in the bottom of a cup or
container and then, placed over the nose
and mouth. Other methods include
soaking a rag in inhalant; placing the rag
in bag or sack and then placing the bag
over the face, and inhaling the vapors.