TOPIC: Human Sexuality: Puberty, Adolescence and the Reproductive System



TOPIC: Human Sexuality:

Puberty, Adolescence and the Reproductive System

• PUBERTY is the stage at which our bodies change to allow us to reproduce.
• ADOLESCENCE (ado = adult; lescence = innocence = [childhood] before maturity [adulthood]) is the stage of growth between childhood and adulthood.
• THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: The reproductive system or reproduction is the means whereby a species is perpetuated (offspring). In humans, the reproductive function is closely associated with emotional needs and drives such as love and security.

CHANGES WHICH OCCUR IN GIRLS

1. Breasts develop by getting bigger.
2. Hair grows under arms and around the pubic region.
3. They have a menstrual cycle or period.
4. Skin disorders may occur e.g. acne.

HOW THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE WORKS

1. Located in the pelvic region of the female are the reproductive organs.
2. The two ovaries lie within the pelvis, on either side of the womb and underneath the kidneys. They are small oval organs, each about the size of a bean. Each one contains thousands of immature ova or eggs embedded in the fibrous tissue.
3. From each ovary leads a fallopian tube which passes into the uterus or womb, a pear-shaped muscular organ. This has an opening at the base guarded by a strong circle of muscles called the cervix.
4. From this, a narrow, muscular tube, the vagina, passes outwards and opens into the groin.
5. The bladder lies in front of the uterus and releases its urine through the urethra which opens in front of the vagina.

Illustration provided by: DeEtte M. DeVille, M.D.

© Copyright 1999 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

HOW MENSTRUATION OCCURS

1.      Menstruation, or a period as it is usually called, occurs about fourteen days after ovulation.

2.      Every month an egg is released from the ovary.

3.      The womb starts to fill with blood in case the egg is fertilized.

4.      If the egg is not fertilized it breaks up and is passed out.

HOW GIRLS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THEIR BODIES DURING MENSTRUATION

1.      Bathe at least twice a day and pay attention to the vaginal area.

2.      Use sanitary napkins to absorb the menstrual flow / blood.

3.      Change napkins regularly.

4.      Get plenty of exercise and rest.

CHANGES WHICH OCCUR IN BOYS

1.      Their voices get deeper.

2.      Their reproductive organs grow bigger.

3.      Their chest, arms, legs etc. grow in size.

4.      Hair grows under arms and around the penis.

5.      They produce sperm.

6.      They are likely to have nocturnal emissions or 'wet dreams'.

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

• The reproductive organs of the male lie outside the body because the cooler temperature is more suitable for the production of sperm. These organs consist of the following:

1. The testes are two oval organs which lie in a loose covering of skin called the scrotum. Each testis contains a mass of seminiferous tubules (small tubes containing semen), the walls of which contain cells which manufacture sperm. [NB: semen is the fluid that carries sperm – mass of sperm. Sperm – male reproductive cell.]
2. The male hormone testosterone is also produced in the testes.
3. The mature sperm pass into a duct which leads to a coiled tube outside each testis, called the epididymis.
4. From this a larger tube, the vas deferens or sperm duct, passes out of the scrotum into the body.
5. Near the bladder it divides into two. One branch leads to the coiled seminal vesicle, while the other opens into the urethra at the base of the bladder.
6. Near this point two glands, the prostate and Cowper’s gland, together with the vesicle, produce a fluid in which the sperm are suspended.
7. The urethra passes downwards into the penis, which is composed of connective tissue with a sponge-like structure. The spaces in the connective tissue fill with blood during sexual intercourse, causing the penis to become erect.

The Male Urinary and Sexual System

http://www.phoenix5.org/prostatedraw.html

HOW BOYS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THEIR BODIES

1.      Bathe at least twice a day and pay attention to the penis.

2.      Use a good deodorant under the arms.

3.      Change clothes regularly, especially underwear.

4.      Have plenty of exercise and rest.

OOW

2008