Paul M. Insel,
Stanford University, School of Medicine
Walton T. Roth,
Stanford University, School of Medicine
| sexuality | A dimension of personality shaped by biological, psychosocial, and cultural forces and concerning all aspects of sexual behavior.
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| gonads | The primary reproductive organs that produce germ cells and sex hormones; the ovaries and testes.
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| germ cells | Sperm and ova (eggs).
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| vulva | The external female genitals, or sex organs.
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| clitoris | The highly sensitive female genital structure.
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| vagina | The passage leading from the female genitals to the internal reproductive organs; the birth canal.
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| cervix | The end of the uterus opening toward the vagina.
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| uterus | The hollow, thick-walled, muscular organ in which the fertilized egg develops; the womb.
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| ovary | One of two female reproductive glands that produce ova (eggs) and sex hormones; ovaries are the female gonads.
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| penis | The male genital structure consisting of spongy tissue that becomes engorged with blood during sexual excitement.
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| scrotum | The loose sac of skin and muscle fibers that contains the testes.
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| testis | One of two male gonads, the site of sperm production; plural, testes. Also called testicle.
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| glans | The rounded head of the penis or the clitoris.
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| circumcision | Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
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| endocrine glands | Glands that produce hormones.
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| androgens | Male sex hormones produced by the testes in males and by the adrenal glands in both sexes.
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| estrogens | A class of female sex hormones, produced by the ovaries, that bring about sexual maturation at puberty and maintain reproductive functions.
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| progestins | A class of female sex hormones, produced by the ovaries, that sustain reproductive functions.
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| adrenal glands | Endocrine glands, located over the kidneys, that produce androgens (among other hormones).
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| pituitary gland | An endocrine gland at the base of the brain that produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), among others.
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| hypothalamus | A region of the brain above the pituitary gland whose hormones control the secretions of the pituitary; also involved in the nervous control of sexual functions.
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| testosterone | The most important androgen (male sex hormone); stimulates an embryo to develop into a male, and induces the development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty.
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| puberty | The period of biological maturation during adolescence.
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| progesterone | The most important progestin (female sex hormone); induces the development of female secondary sex characteristics during puberty, regulates the menstrual cycle, and sustains pregnancy.
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| menstrual cycle | The monthly ovarian cycle, regulated by pituitary and ovarian hormones; in the absence of pregnancy, menstruation occurs.
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| corpus luteum | The part of the ovarian follicle left after ovulation, which secretes estrogen and progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
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| premenstrual tension | Mild physical and emotional changes associated with the time before the onset of menses; symptoms can include abdominal cramping and backache.
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| premenstrual syndrome (PMS) | A disorder characterized by physical discomfort, psychological distress, and behavioral changes that begin after ovulation and cease when menstruation begins.
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| premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) | Severe form of PMS, characterized by symptoms serious enough to interfere with work or school or with social activities and relationships.
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| menopause | The cessation of menstruation, occurring gradually around age 50.
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| erogenous zone | Any region of the body highly responsive to sexual stimulation.
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| vasocongestion | The accumulation of blood in tissues and organs.
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| myotonia | Increased muscular tension.
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| orgasm | The discharge of accumulated sexual tension with characteristic genital and bodily manifestations and a subjective sensation of intense pleasure.
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| semen | Seminal fluid, consisting of sperm cells and secretions from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.
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| sexual dysfunction | A disturbance in sexual desire, performance, or satisfaction.
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| masturbation | Self-stimulation for the purpose of sexual arousal and orgasm.
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| celibacy | Continuous abstention from sexual activity.
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| autoeroticism | Behavior aimed at sexual self-stimulation.
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| erotic fantasy | Sexually arousing thoughts and daydreams.
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| cunnilingus | Oral stimulation of the female genitals.
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| fellatio | Oral stimulation of the penis.
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| sexual intercourse | Sexual relations involving genital union; also called coitus, and also known as making love.
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education