...for two recent articles on contemporary Feminism from the New Statesman Magazine and here for a recent Observer article on biology, culture and gender. Click here for Varieties of Feminism In many past societies men and women have performed significantly different social roles and despite a range of economic, political and social changes such differences persist to a considerable extent in the contemporary world. For example in the case of the UK women are still more likely than men to take disproportionate responsibility for childcare and housework; their employment opportunities, although improving, are still worse than men’s and although they finally gained the right to vote in 1928 they are still much less likely than men to become local councillors, MPs or government ministers. There has been great controversy surrounding the extent to which these differences in social roles are explicable by biological sexual differences or by gender differences which are socially constructed rather than biologically determined. Sexual differences refer to biological differences between males and females such that there are variations between males and females in their chromosomes, their reproductive organs and their relative production of different hormones which in turn result in a range of physical differences. Males are on average hairier, have deeper voices and are more prone to baldness in later life. They are also on average heavier, taller and physically stronger than females...
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...Week 1: Fertilization Fatimah Myers PSY/265 March 15, 2014 University of Phoenix Instructor – Dr. Zaleski In fertilization, the organs that make up the reproductive system in males plays the role of producing and discharging sperm within the female reproductive tract. The penis, scrotum, testes, sperm, epididymis, and accessory organs make up the reproductive organs in a male. In addition to being used for sexual intercourse and the pathway for semen, the penis is also where urine is passed through. The scrotum is a pouch located below the base of the penis, with two compartments. The compartments of the scrotum hold the testes. Each testicle is held in place by a spermatic cord. The spermatic cord is a structure that contains the vas deferens, blood vessels and nerves, and the cremaster muscle. This muscle controls the movement of testicle within the scrotum when there is a change in temperature and sexual stimulation (Rathus & Fichner-Rathus, 2011). The testes are responsible for the production of mature germ cells and the secretion of sex hormones. The epididymis is a tube that stores sperm and lies against the back wall of each testicle. The accessory glands of the male respiratory system include the seminal vesicles, the prostate and Cowper’s gland. Seminal vesicles are 2 inches in length and located behind the bladder. The seminal vesicles open into ejaculatory ducts and secrete fluids that combine with sperm to keep...
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...Human and Animal Sex Pheromones A pheromone is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting outside the body of the secreting individual to impact the behavior of the receiving individual. When secreted by an individual into the environment, it can cause a specific reaction in other individuals, usually of the same species. The term “pheromone” was introduced by Peter Karlson, a German biochemist and Martin Luscher, a Swiss entomologist in 1959 based on the Greek word pherein--to transport hormone--to stimulate. Pheromones are sometimes classified as ecto-horomones. These chemical messengers are transported outside of the body and result in a direct developmental effect on hormone levels or behavioral change. The primary function of these chemical signals is to attract members of the opposite sex of the same species for the purpose of mating. This pheromone communication has been extensively studied in animals. But in recent years research has been applied to higher level organisms such as humans. Human pheromones put out signals that naturally affect human attraction. Most sex pheromones are produced by the females and a small percentage of sex attractants are produced by males. The newest research has shown that not only do these human pheromones exist, but they are gender specific: heterosexual men and woman and homosexual men respond differently to them...
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...The Sperm and the Egg Danyell Daniel Psy/265 October 9, 2015 Frank Brusinski The Sperm and the Egg Trace the movements of the sperm and the egg from their development to fertilization. While a man (John) and women (Nancy) comment the act of sexual affairs, the women has to be in a productive state and her body will discharge one egg for the sperm to residence. John will discharge anywhere from 100 million to 300 million sperms in one conference of intercourse, His sperm must first make their way thru the cervix into the uterus then on to the fallopian tube, the liquid portion of the semen not only provide the sperm but is also use as a nourishment for the journey into the and then swim thru the fallopian tube. As the sperm make it journey they will start to die off, not all sperm will make it to the egg there can only be one victor in this story. There will be a few thousand that will get close during the trip and as they get close the will start to change their patterns with alteration of their heads. The liquid portion of the semen also provides directions for the sperm so they will not wander too far off the path. Any sperm that has not successfully made it thru the cervix is not going to make the complete journey and will release out of the Nancy body after the sex act. For the sperm that make it thru the cervical canal it is greatly welcomed environment the sperm will find that there is an abundance of cervical mucus, the mucus will transport the sperm when...
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...to discuss the internal female sexual organ – the Skene’s gland. This organ has been used interchangeably with other names such as the G-spot, female prostrate, paraurethral gland, etc. To avoid ambiguity, this paper would be focusing on the generalized area commonly called the G-spot which includes the Skene’s gland. Within the field of sexology, there has been a lot of controversy over the topic of the G-spot. Similar to any other controversial issues, there is a divide between researchers who have made the conclusion that the G-spot is not an anatomical entity and others who believe the G-spot is a unique region responsible for a distinct sexual function. Irrespective of the ongoing debate about the G-spot, a direct clarification of what the G-spot is thought to be and the ascribed sexual function is discussed. The G-spot - named after the German gynecologist Ernst Graffenberg who discovered it in 1950 – is a highly erogenous zone which could be felt through the anterior wall of the female vagina, often located about one-third to one-half of the way in from the introitus (Mohammad 967). This region is easiest to locate if the woman were to lie on her back. In some cases, the woman might not recognize the region if she were not aroused (Mohammad 968). From a structural perspective, some researchers believe that what is called the G-spot could be a complex region composed of not a single tissue but a collection of tissues of adjacent organs within the supposed region, this...
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...scourge on our countries history of apartheid and violence. Over the years the precise definition of rape has varied and thus there is no single agreed definition of rape. In 2012, the FBI changed their definition from "The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will." to "The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object or by oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim." The new South African law around rape came into effect in December 2007. This law is called the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act, No. 32 of 2007 and considers that males too can be victims of rape. Rape is an act of Sexual Penetration of a victim, without their consent. Rape occurs when * Someone inserts their genital organs into the mouth, anus or genital organs of a victim * Any part of someone’s body, such as a finger, goes into the anus or genital organs of the victim * Any object, like a stick or a bottle is put into the anus or genital organs of the victim * The genital organs of an animal are put into the mouth of the victims Personally I believe that one can never be entirely safe from rape because anyone has the capacity to rape which means we all are possible victims, but why one might ask . In this assignment I will be looking at the myths that create a sense of reluctance in the reporting of rape, the negativity that these myths bring about such as victim blaming, the...
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...the: Pituitary, Pineal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Thymus, Pancreas, and Adrenal Glands as well as the ovaries and testes. All of these glands have a hand in generating hormones responsible for different behaviors either directly or indirectly. “Gender identity is how we feel about and express our gender and gender roles — clothing, behavior, and personal appearance. It is a feeling that we have as early as age two or three” ("Gender And Gender Identity", 2001). While there is much to say about the brain and its relationship to personal gender identity it is also very evident that the interaction between hormones and behavior is a deciding factor as well. Biological Factors & Gender Identity Our personal biology is what we are born with, things that are distinctive to us. Whether someone has red or blonde hair, brown or blue eyes, or light or dark skin is part of their biology. More specifically our sexual organs are perhaps the most distinctive parts of our biology because they set the groundwork for how we will be viewed by society, whether we personally feel that way or not. I say this because our sexual organs will inevitably determine our appearance. Having male organs causes boys/men secrete more androgens or male hormones (testosterone) than girls. Because they secrete a larger amount of these hormones they will develop more “male” characteristics as far as appearance, and even personality. The testosterone androgen will promote a more masculine looking physique and even...
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...Cardiovascular system Main functions of the cardiovascular system The cardiovascular system transports nutrients and oxygen to all areas of the body. When the blood is travelling back to the heart, it flows through the veins. Whereas, after the blood has picked up oxygen from the lungs, it then flows away from the heart through the arteries. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels which run through the entire body. The right side of the heart contains deoxygenated blood, whereas, the left side contains oxygen rich blood. Superior vena cava - Carries deoxygenated blood into the heart from head, arms and the upper body. Inferior vena cava - Carries deoxygenated blood into the heart from the lower body. Aorta - The aorta is the main artery in the human body which carries oxygen rich blood away from the left ventricle and circulates it around the body. Pulmonary artery - The vessel that transports deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, carrying the blood away from the heart. Pulmonary vein - There are four pulmonary veins, two from each lung. These veins receive oxygenated blood from the lungs which then drain into the left atrium of the heart. Mitral valve - One of the four valves in the heart, it regulates blood flow from the left atrium (upper left chamber), into the left ventricle (lower left chamber). Aortic valve - This valve closes off the left ventricle that holds the oxygen rich blood before it is pumped out to...
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...P4- Explain the physiology of two named body systems in relation to energy metabolism in the body. M1- Discuss the role of energy in the body. The Conservation of energy The first law of thermodynamics, is sometimes known as the conservation of energy, this states that: ‘Energy can be transformed (changed from one form to another), but cannot be created or destroyed’. (Moonie, 2010) The second form may not be of use or be capable of being measured. Forms of energy within the body Through the body there are five different forms of energy which exists. These are chemical, kinetic, electrical, elastic and thermal .Energy can be found in several forms and chemical energy is the most common. The energy that is in the chemical bond unites atoms or molecules with each other. When a new bond is made between two atoms, energy is needed for its formation and this is usually in the form of heat, light an electrical energy could be used. If the bond is broken and the atoms are released, the energy in the bond is released. Elastic energy is found with the arteries. The middle layer of the tissue (tunica media) which is within the artery wall lining has elastic tissues in. The elastic tissue lets the artery walls to be able to stretch and recoil which helps prevents damage from the high pressure blood flowing through them. By allowing the stretch of the artery this is causing the elastic energy. This kind of energy is known as the ‘potential energy’. Thermal energy is one...
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...Abstract The desert hedgehog gene is a key gene to the human reproductive system. It plays a vital role in the development of important sexual organs. Along with the other hedgehog proteins, the hedgehog protein family and signaling pathway are also important to the overall development of many parts and systems of the human body. Each protein within the family has its own role to play in overall expression of cells and growth. There are a total of three proteins within the family; the Indian hedgehog (IHH), the sonic hedgehog (SHH), and the desert hedgehog (DHH) gene. The term hedgehog refers to the terminal domains within the genes of this family. The “hog” domain makes up the C-terminal of the gene and the “hedge” domain makes up the N-terminal of...
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...worms will hatch Asexual And Sexual Reproduction • Both occur in the animal kingdom • Asexual reproduction is the creation of new individuals – Whose genes all come from one parent • Sexual reproduction is the creation of offspring – By the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote Mechanisms of Asexual Reproduction • Many invertebrates reproduce asexually by fission – The separation of a parent into two or more individuals of approximately the same size Mechanisms of Asexual Reproduction • Budding – In which two new individuals arise from outgrowths of existing ones • A two-step process – Fragmentation • The breaking of the body into several pieces, some or all of which develop into complete adults – Regeneration • Follows fragmentation • the regrowth of lost body parts • Some animals reproduce by parthenogenesis – A process in which an egg develops without being fertilized • Among vertebrates, several genera of fishes, amphibians, and lizards, including whiptail lizards – Reproduce exclusively by a complex form of parthenogenesis Ovary size (a) Both lizards in this photograph are C. uniparens females. The one on top is playing the role of a male. Every two or three weeks during the breeding season, individuals switch sex roles. Hormones Ovulation Estrogen Ovulation Progesterone Behavior Time Femalelike Malelike Femalelike Malelike (b) The sexual behavior of C. uniparens is correlated...
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...identity that matches his or her genitalia but sometimes this is not the case. So the question remains, what affects an individual’s gender identity more, nature or nurture? Gender Identity Gender identity is defined as a “complex system of beliefs about the subjective self in relation to masculinity and femininity” (Ault & Brzuzy, 2009, p. 187). Gender roles, maleness, and femaleness, have been argued to be a factor of environmental influences, the nurture aspect of child development, and nature, the biological aspect. “Gender identity presents itself in how people outwardly express masculinity and femininity in everyday life and how others respond to this expression” (Ault & Brzuzy, 2009, p. 187). Studying how hormones cause types of behavior provides information on how males and females act and react. By evaluating the relationship between child development, nature, and nurture, this paper hopes to determine which side of the ongoing debate is more influential on behavior. Development of Sex Hormones Hormones influence sex from the time of “conception to sexual maturity of the...
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...Gender Identity Every sexual thought, attraction,preference, development, feeling, memory, fantasy, and choice stem from complex brain activity. A complex genetic code determines body type; but that type does not always dictate sexual identity. Sexual identity is an even more complex development that encompasses hormone levels, social learning, individual perception, and attraction. Humans are born genetically male or female; but that does not necessarily control which sexual identity the individual will discover. Planned Parenthood (2012) defines gender identity as how a person feels about and expresses his or her gender; despite genetic or natural gender assignment. Some humans are genetically male or female and identify with the traditional gender roles; but others may find that the traditional cultural norms do not match their feelings or thoughts. Sexual identity is the sexual part of human expression that does not include ideas like sexual orientation, sexual preference, physical gender, or body type. If an individual considers his or her gender as female and is at ease with referring to his or her individual sexual characteristics in feminine terms, his or her gender identity is female. Gender identity has nothing to do with the physical characteristics of gender; but focuses on how the individual thinks (either masculine or feminine) and how he or she expresses those feelings. Ghosh (2012) explains gender identity as “self-identified, as a result of a combination...
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... Axia College of University Of Phoenix Factors that determine gender identity: When determining factors of gender identification and gender roles, I have made some research and discovered that biological factors play an important role in shaping children’s physical development. Children such as boys and girls are born with distinctive sexual organs and become further differentiated when secondary sexual characteristics emerge upon puberty, and naturally there are chemical messenger compounds in the body that are known as hormones are responsible for coordinating the appearance of these physical differences. I addition to that, there are some research that suggest the same hormones that enable sexual organ differential in utero and later trigger puberty, which also play an important role in shaping gender identity. In addition, Gender identity can be defined as a personal conception of male or female, or rarely both or neither. Further information have helped in understanding that this concept is intimately related to the concept of gender role, which is defined as the outward manifestations of personality that reflect the gender identity. However people may view gender identity, I have read and understand that it is self-identified, and as a result of a combination of inherent and extrinsic or environmental factors of gender role, plus it is manifested within society by observable factors such as behavior and appearance. How a person’s masculine and feminine traits can be...
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...fertilization | | 2.1 | The diagram of the journey of egg cell for fertilization | | 2.2 | The process of fertilization and implantation | | 2.3 | Diagram of the early stages of a developing embryo | | 2.4 | The importance of the placenta | | 2.5 | The role of the following hormone during birth and lactation | | | Reference | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Sexual Reproduction Like all living things, humans have to reproduce to ensure the survival of the species. Reproduction is the role of the reproductive system. The female reproductive system lies mainly inside the body, whereas much of the male system is outside the body. Each reproductive system produce special cells, the sex cells called gametes (sperms and eggs). From these gametes, the typical traits of the parents are conveyed to their brood. The genes are the one that stored the hereditary information on the chromosomes inside the nucleus of a sex cell. The gametes are haploid cells produced by sexually reproducing male and female brought together following sexual intercourse. If female and male sex cells meet, they fuse during fertilization into single cell called zygote, which develops into a new human being, made up of billions of cells. Half of which contain genes from the male and half of which contain...
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