Glossary

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Page ID: 167253

Susan Rahman with Nathan Bowman, Dahmitra Jackson, Lushtak, Remi Newman, & Prateek Sunder
California Consortium for Equitable Change in Hispanic Serving Institutions Open Educational Resources (CC ECHO)

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Glossary Entries
Word(s)	Definition	Image	Caption	Link	Source
Ableism	Discrimination on the basis of physical, mental, or emotional impairment or blocked access to the fulfillment of needs and in particular, full participation in social life.
Abortion	The termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of the fetus
Abruption	Premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the womb
Affirmative consent	A knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (SUNY, n.d.).
Agender	a person who has an internal sense of being neither male nor female nor some combination of male and female
Allosexual	This term describes anyone who experiences any sort of sexual attraction. People who identify as Allosexual can be gay, pansexual, lesbian or any other sexual orientation because allosexuality is not connected to gender. Allosexuality opposes asexuality.
Alveoli	(of the breast) milk-secreting cells in the mammary gland
American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors & Therapists (AASECT)	a professional organization devoted to the promotion of sexual health. AASECT provides training and certification for sex therapists, counselors and educators.
Amnion	An embryonic membrane that encircles a developing fetus and contains amniotic fluid.
Amniocentesis	A procedure in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed from around the fetus
Amniotic fluid	The fluid surrounding the fetus
Amniotomy	(artificial rupture of membranes, ARM) Breaking the membranes using a special plastic hook
Ampulla	(of the uterine tube) middle portion of the uterine tube in which fertilization often occurs
Andropause or late-onset hypogonadism	Significant decline of testosterone levels
Androsexual	Androsexual is a term that describes people who are attracted to people who present themselves as masculine. This type of orientation has little to do with biology and more to do with the presentation of gender.
Anemia	Lack of hemoglobin in red blood cells, due to iron deficiency or disease
Antepartum Hemorrhage	(APH) Vaginal bleeding that happens after 24 weeks of pregnancy and before delivery
Antrum	fluid-filled chamber that characterizes a mature tertiary (antral) follicle
APA Ethics Code	“Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an ethical standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical ethical responsibilities” (Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, 2017)
Areola	highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple and containing areolar glands that secrete fluid important for lubrication during suckling
Arranged marriage	a marriage planned and agreed upon by the families of the couple to be married
Asexual	Asexual is a term that describes people who do not experience sexual attraction toward other people. People who identify as asexual are often able to feel romantic attraction towards people.
At-risk Research	Poses greater than minimal risk and must be reviewed by the entire IRB
Auto Eroticism	self-pleasuring using one's mind or touching, stroking or rubbing one's genitals for orgasm (also known as masturbation)
Autosexual	Autosexual is a term that describes an individual’s sexual attraction to oneself.
Bacterial STIs	are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis- less common ones are chancroid and mycoplasma genitalium
Bartholin’s glands	(also, greater vestibular glands) glands that produce a thick mucus that maintains moisture in the vulva area; also referred to as the greater vestibular glands
BDSM	an umbrella term that refers to a variety of erotic practices that may involve bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism
Bi-Curious	Bi-curious is a term that refers to people who are looking to explore bisexuality.
Bias	Prejudice for or against one thing, person or group compared to another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
Bigender	a person whose gender identity is a combination of male and female or is sometimes male and sometimes female
Biological determinism	can be defined as a general theory, which holds that a group’s biological or genetic makeup shapes its social, political, and economic destiny.
Biopsychosocial Approach to Human Sexuality	systematically considers biological, psychological, and social factors and their complex interactions
Birth Control/Contraception	is a technique that prevents a sperm cell and an ovum from uniting. There are various types of birth control options including, barrier, surgical, and hormonal methods
Bisexual	Bisexuality can often overlap with pansexuality, however; the term describes a person who may be romantically, sexually, or emotionally attracted to more than one gender.
Blood–testis barrier	tight junctions between Sertoli cells that prevent bloodborne pathogens from gaining access to later stages of spermatogenesis and prevent the potential for an autoimmune reaction to haploid sperm
Body of uterus	middle section of the uterus
Breech	The baby is lying bottom down in the womb
Broad ligament	wide ligament that supports the uterus by attaching laterally to both sides of the uterus and pelvic wall
Bulbourethral glands	(also, Cowper’s glands) glands that secrete a lubricating mucus that cleans and lubricates the urethra prior to and during ejaculation
Burlesque	a variety show, typically including striptease.
Camming	the internet streaming of adult content” (Dictionary, 2022)
Celiac sprue	Nutrient absorption impairment which is improved when gluten is removed from the diet. Characteristic mucosal lesion of the small intestine.
Cephalic	The baby is lying head down in the womb
Cervix	elongate inferior end of the uterus where it connects to the vagina
Cisgender	a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth
Child molestation	A crime of any sexual act with a minor.
Chorion	The embryonic membrane that forms the outermost covering around the developing fetus.
Chorionic Villus Sampling	(CVS) A method for sampling placental tissue for genetic or chromosome studies.
Cilia	The fine hairs that line the fallopian tubes
Classism	Discrimination on the basis of social class, or blocked access to material wealth and social status.
Cleavage	The early successive divisions of embryonic cells into smaller and smaller cells.
Clitoris	(also, glans clitoris) nerve-rich area of the vulva that contributes to sexual sensation during intercourse
Closeted	or “in the closet” refers to anyone who exists within the LGBTQIA+ community but does not publicly disclose the truth. Many people who identify as closeted seek to avoid persecution or discrimination based on their sexual identity.
Cohabitation	is when a couple are living together in a sexual relationship when the partners are not legally married
Colostrum	the fluid that is made late in pregnancy and the first few days postpartum in the breast that contains immunologic substances and essential nutrients.
Commitment	feelings and actions that keep partners working together to maintain the relationship.
Common-law marriage	if a couple lives together for a certain number of years, they are automatically considered as married in the eyes of the law.
Communal relationships	close relationships in which partners suspend their need for equity and exchange, giving support to the partner in order to meet this partner needs, and without consideration of the costs to themselves.
Complementary relationships	each person in the relationship brings different personality attributes to the relationship which can help satisfy the other person’s needs
Conflict Theory	looks at society as a competition for limited resources between those who have (bourgeoisie), and those who do not (proletariat)
Consensual non-monogamy	an explicit agreement between partners that they accept sexual or romantic pursuit outside of their primary relationship.
Copulation	(Coitus, sexual intercourse) is the procreative act of a man's erect penis is inserted into a woman's vagina. At climax, semen is ejaculated from the penis at the cervix of the uterus. Sperm then propel themselves into the fallopian tubes where fertilization may occur if an ovum is present.
Cordocentesis	The procedure for taking blood from the fetal umbilical cord via a needle through the mother’s abdomen
Corpus albicans	nonfunctional structure remaining in the ovarian stroma following structural and functional regression of the corpus luteum
Corpus cavernosum	either of two columns of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood during an erection
Corpus luteum	transformed follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone
Corpus spongiosum	(plural = corpora cavernosa) column of erectile tissue in the penis that fills with blood during an erection and surrounds the penile urethra on the ventral portion of the penis
Crohn's disease	Skip lesions in the colon and is a malabsorptive disease.
Cunnilingus	oral stimulation of the female genitals
Cystitis	Infection of the bladder
Demisexual	Similar to asexuality, those who identify as demisexual often feel sexual attraction to people they’ve established a romantic or emotional relationship with.
Differentiated Sex Development	a range of variations that can occur when a person does not have the specific anatomy or chromosomal markers that would typically assign them either male or female
Dizygous	Not identical (fraternal) twins
Domestic Partnership	a legal relationship between couples that allows them to obtain many of the same benefits as a marriage.
Doppler	A form of ultrasound used specially to investigate blood flow in the placenta or in the fetus
Down Syndrome	(Trisomy 21) A disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 in the cells
Double standard	a rule or principle that is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups. For example, concept that prohibits premarital sexual intercourse for women but allows it for men
Drug holidays	plan sexual activity around times when the effect of the medication is at its lowest
Ductus deferens	(also, vas deferens) duct that transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord and into the ejaculatory duct; also referred as the vas deferens
Ectopic Pregnancy	A pregnancy that develops outside of the womb
Edema	Swelling of the fingers, legs, toes, and face.
Ejaculatory duct	duct that connects the ampulla of the ductus deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle at the prostatic urethra
Embryo	The medical term for the baby from conception to about six weeks
Endometrium	inner lining of the uterus, part of which builds up during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and then sheds with menses
Engagement	The process in which the head of the baby moves down from high in the mother's abdomen and settles deeper into her pelvis in preparation for birth. This can happen any time between 36 weeks and labor.
Epididymis	(plural = epididymides) coiled tubular structure in which sperm start to mature and are stored until ejaculation
Epidural Anesthesia	A method of numbing the nerves of the lower spinal cord to ensure a pain-free labor
Episiotomy	A cut of the perineum and vagina performed to make the delivery easier
Erectile dysfunction	challenges with obtaining and/or maintaining penile erection.
Ethics	moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity
Evolutionary theory	our behavior reflects evolved adaptations for the survival of our ancestors.
Exchange relationships	relationships in which each of the partners keeps track of his or her contributions to the partnership
Excitement Phase	the arousal phase of the sexual response cycle, and it is marked by erection of the penis or clitoris and lubrication and expansion of the vaginal canal
Exempt Research	Research on the effectiveness of normal educational activities, the use of standard psychological measures and surveys of a nonsensitive nature that are administered in a way that maintains confidentiality, and research using existing data from public sources
Expedited partner treatment	a medical provider can prescribe partner packs of antibiotics to a patient to give to their partner(s) as needed
External Fetal Monitor	An electronic monitor used to record the fetal heartbeat and mother’s contractions
Fallopian tubes	(also, uterine tubes or oviducts) ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus
Fallopian Tubes	(uterine tubes) Two tubular structures (one on each side of the womb) leading from the ovaries to the uterus
Fellatio	Oral stimulation of the male genitals
Feminism	is not a single school of thought, but rather, encompasses diverse theories and analytical perspectives—such as socialist feminist theories, radical sex feminist theories, black feminist theories, queer feminist theories, transfeminist theories, feminist disability theories, and intersectional feminist theories.
Fertilization	The union of an egg cell and a sperm cell is present wherein 23 chromosomes from each parent come together to form a zygote. After sperm penetrates, the ovum undergoes a chemical change to prevent other sperm from entering. Multiple births can occur from complete division of the conceptus during early cleavage or from fertilization of multiple ova. Birth control techniques are designed to prevent ovulation or to prevent fertilization by barriers that keep sperm and ova separated.
Fetus	Medical term for the baby from six weeks after conception until birth
Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA)	adds penalties for hosting illegal sex work-related content
Fimbriae	fingerlike projections on the distal uterine tubes
Fluid	A person who identifies as fluid experiences a shift in sexual identity over time rather than someone how experiences a singular sexual orientation.
Follicle	ovarian structure of one oocyte and surrounding granulosa (and later theca) cells
Folliculogenesis	development of ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary under the stimulation of gonadotropins
Forceps	Metal instruments that fit on either side of the baby's head and are used to help deliver the baby
Foreplay	means a pre-coital partnered sexual activity
Friends with Benefits	Hookups different from the relationships that involve continued mutual exchange
Functional distance	or the frequency with which we cross paths with others
Fundus	(of the uterus) domed portion of the uterus that is superior to the uterine tubes
Fundus	The top of the womb
Gamete	haploid reproductive cell that contributes genetic material to form an offspring
Gay	The word gay is used to describe someone who is sexually or romantically attracted to a member of the same gender.
Gender	is a term that refers to social or cultural distinctions associated with a given sex
Gender Binary	The word “binary” comes from a Latin word meaning "consisting of two.” When we refer to “gender binary” we are referring to the two common categories for gender, man and woman. Most of our world separates men and women using cultural stereotypes - from what we wear, how we smell, and the roles we are expected to play in the workplace and the home.
Gender Expression	Refers to the aspects of a person's behavior, mannerisms, interests, and appearance that are associated with gender in a particular cultural context, specifically with the categories of femininity or masculinity.
Gender Identity	a person’s sense of self as a member of a particular gender.
Gender Spectrum	If we imagine gender is a spectrum with male and female at either end, some people feel like they fit a different category than the gender they were given at birth, and move from one side to the other, and some people feel they are a mix and somewhere in between the ends of the spectrum.
Genderqueer	a person whose gender identity cannot be categorized as solely male or female
Gender Neutral	not referring to either sex but only to people in general
Germ layer	Layers of cells within an embryo that form the body organs during development.
Glans penis	bulbous end of the penis that contains a large number of nerve endings
Glial Cells (neuroglia; glia)	Non-neuronal cells that provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and participate in signal transmission in the nervous system. In the human brain, glia are estimated to outnumber neurons by about 10 to 1. Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons, the other main type of cell in the central nervous system. They are thus known as the "glue" of the nervous system. The four main functions of glial cells are to surround neurons and hold them in place, to supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons, to insulate one neuron from another, and to destroy pathogens and remove dead neurons.
Gonads	reproductive organs (testes in men and ovaries in women) that produce gametes and reproductive hormones
Granulosa cells	supportive cells in the ovarian follicle that produce estrogen
Greysexual	People who identify as greysexual experience limited sexual attraction, meaning that sexual attraction is rare.
Gynesexual	This term refers to people who are attracted to individuals with more feminine gender presentations rather than androsexual identifying people who are attracted to more masculine presenting people
Hedonism	the pursuit of pleasure or sensual self-indulgence
Hemoglobin	(Hb)The oxygen carrying constituent of red blood cells
Heteronormativity	the ways in which heterosexuality is normalized through myriad practices, so that it becomes naturalized as the only legitimate form of sexuality.
Heteronormativity	The everyday, taken-for-granted ways in which heterosexuality is privileged and normalized.
Heterosexual or Straight	These two terms refer to people who are only romantically, sexually, or emotionally attracted to people of the opposite sex (ie men who are attracted to exclusively women and women who are exclusively attracted to men).
Heteroflexible or homoflexible	A heteroflexible person is mostly heterosexual (someone who is attracted to the same gender) but can occasionally be attracted to the same gender or other genders. Alternatively, a Homoflexible person is mostly attracted to people of the same gender, but is sometimes attracted to other genders.
Homophobia	the fear, hatred, or prejudice against gay people.
Homosexual	The term homosexual is a slightly outdated term, however; it refers to to anyone who is attracted to people of the same (or similar) gender.
Hookups	Uncommitted sexual encounters
Hot Flash	A surge of adrenaline associated with menopause
Human trafficking	The acquisition of persons by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them.
Hymen	membrane that covers part of the opening of the vagina
Implicit bias	attitudes towards people or groups of people or associate stereotypes with them without our conscious knowledge.
In utero death	(IUD)the death of the unborn fetus after 24 weeks
In vitro fertilization	(IVF) a method of assisted conception in which fertilization occurs outside the mother's and the embryo is replaced in the womb
Incest	Sexual relations between people classed as family members or close relatives.
Induction of labor	(IOL) the procedure for initiating labor artificially
Informed consent	process of communication between you and your health care provider that often leads to agreement or permission for care, treatment, or services
Infundibulum	(of the uterine tube) wide, distal portion of the uterine tube terminating in fimbriae
Inguinal canal	opening in abdominal wall that connects the testes to the abdominal cavity
Interoception	is the perception humans have of sensations inside the body
Interpersonal attraction	the strength of our liking or loving for another person
Intersectionality	Seeing systems of oppression working in concert, rather than separately and independently. Also, the complex, cumulative way in which the multiple forms of discrimination (e.g. racism, sexism, classism) combine, overlap or intersect the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups.
Intersex	an umbrella term that describes bodies that fall outside the strict male/female binary
Intersex	those with a variation in sex characteristics, including chromosomes, gonads, or genitals that do not allow an individual to be distinctly identified as male or female
Intimate partner violence	is often divided into situational couple violence, which is the violence that results when heated conflict escalates, and intimate terrorism, in which one partner consistently uses fear and violence to dominate the other
Isthmus	narrow, medial portion of the uterine tube that joins the uterus
Kink	consensual, non-traditional sexual, sensual, and intimate behaviors such as sadomasochism, domination and submission, erotic roleplaying, fetishism, and erotic forms of discipline
Labia majora	hair-covered folds of skin located behind the mons pubis
Labia minora	thin, pigmented, hairless flaps of skin located medial and deep to the labia majora
Lactiferous ducts	ducts that connect the mammary glands to the nipple and allow for the transport of milk
Lactiferous sinus	area of milk collection between alveoli and lactiferous duct
Lanugo	fine hair that covers the fetus in the womb
Lesbian	A lesbian is a term that describes a female identifying person who is attracted to other women.
Leydig cells	cells between the seminiferous tubules of the testes that produce testosterone; a type of interstitial cell
Libido	our desire for sex
Lochia	blood loss after birth
mammary glands	glands inside the breast that secrete milk
Marriage	the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship
Mastitis	inflammation of the breast most frequently in lactation.
Masturbation	self-pleasuring using one's mind or touching, stroking or rubbing one's genitals for orgasm (also known as Auto Eroticism)
Masturbation	also known as auto eroticism, is often when a person touches, strokes or rubs their own genitals or fantasizes for sexual pleasure
Menarche	first menstruation in a pubertal female
Menarche	The first menstrual period
Menopause	The end of the menstrual cycle typically diagnosed after 12 months without menstruation
Menses	shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out though the vagina; also referred to as menstruation
Menses phase	phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrial lining is shed
Menstrual cycle	approximately 28-day cycle of changes in the uterus consisting of a menses phase, a proliferative phase, and a secretory phase
Mere-exposure effect	the more often we are exposed to a stimulus (e.g., sound, person) the more likely we are to view that stimulus positively
Minimal Risk Research	exposes participants to risks that are no greater than those encountered by healthy people in daily life or during routine physical or psychological examination
Modularity hypothesis	explains homosexuality as different from heterosexuality only with respect to the sex of the desired partner, and suggests that homosexual and heterosexual individuals show similar patterns regarding other aspects of sexual psychology.
Monogamous	having a sexual relationship with only one partner at a time
Mons pubis	mound of fatty tissue located at the front of the vulva
Myometrium	smooth muscle layer of uterus that allows for uterine contractions during labor and expulsion of menstrual blood
Neonatal	baby less than 28 days old
Non-binary	Some people don’t feel like they fit on the spectrum at all, and reject those terms altogether. Some people refer to their gender as “non-binary” to describe when their gender falls outside the gender binary system. These people can sometimes use gender-neutral pronouns such as “they” instead of “him” or “her”.
Nuchal scan	special ultrasound scan that gives an estimate of the risk of Down syndrome
Oocyte	cell that results from the division of the oogonium and undergoes meiosis I at the LH surge and meiosis II at fertilization to become a haploid ovum
Oocyte	one ovum that is released from the ovary at each ovulation
Oogenesis	process by which oogonia divide by mitosis to primary oocytes, which undergo meiosis to produce the secondary oocyte and, upon fertilization, the ovum
Oogonia	ovarian stem cells that undergo mitosis during female fetal development to form primary oocytes
Orgasm Phase	a climax of sexual excitement, characterized by feelings of pleasure centered in the sex organs.
Ovarian cycle	approximately 28-day cycle of changes in the ovary consisting of a follicular phase and a luteal phase
Ovaries	female gonads that produce oocytes and sex steroid hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone)
Ovulation	release of a secondary oocyte and associated granulosa cells from an ovary
Ovum	haploid female gamete resulting from completion of meiosis II at fertilizatio
Pansexual	This term refers to people who are attracted to someone regardless of their gender identity.
Parasitic STIs	include trichomoniasis, pubic lice, and scabies. They are all curable with antibiotics and other medications
Penis	male organ of copulation
Perimetrium	outer epithelial layer of uterine wall
Placenta	The structure by which an unborn child is attached to its mother's uterine wall and through which it is nourished.
Plan B	Emergency contraception that can be used after sex to prevent pregnancy
Plateau Phase	swelling of the vagina and increased blood flow to the labia minora, and full erection of the penis and possible excretion of pre-ejaculatory fluid
Pleasure	a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment
Polar body	smaller cell produced during the process of meiosis in oogenesis
Polyamory	People who love multiple people simultaneously
Polygamy	The practice of having more than one spouse at a time.
Pornography	the portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purpose of arousal
Postnatal	After birth
Premature ejaculation	There are a variety of definitions. The consensus is that ejaculation is premature if it is sooner than desired.
Prenatal	Before birth
Prepuce	(also, foreskin) flap of skin that forms a collar around, and thus protects and lubricates, the glans penis; also referred as the foreskin
Primary follicles	ovarian follicles with a primary oocyte and one layer of cuboidal granulosa cells
Primary sexual characteristics	Reproductive organs present at birth compromising the external and internal genitalia
Primordial follicles	least developed ovarian follicles that consist of a single oocyte and a single layer of flat (squamous) granulosa cells
Professional Dominatrix	paid professional who takes the dominant role in BDSM/kink activities, sometimes referred to as a pro-domme.
Proliferative phase	phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium proliferates
Prostate gland	doughnut-shaped gland at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra and contributing fluid to semen during ejaculation
Prostate gland	A gland located below the bladder that produces the fluid that nourishes and helps to transport sperm.
Puberty	life stage during which a male or female adolescent becomes anatomically and physiologically capable of reproduction
Pubic hair	the hair that appears on the lower part of the hypogastric region at puberty
Queer	Queer is an umbrella term that describes anyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. The dictionary defines the word as something that is “strange”, however; the term has been redefined and reclaimed.
queer theory	a scholarly discipline that questions fixed (normative) definitions of gender and sexuality. Queer theory problematizes the manner in which we have been taught to think about sexual orientation. By calling their discipline “queer,” these scholars are rejecting the effects of labeling; instead, they embrace the word “queer” and have reclaimed it for their own purposes.
Questioning	This term refers to someone who is questioning their sexual preference or to describe someone who is curious about exploring their sexuality.
Quickening	The process that occurs between the seventeenth and twentieth weeks of fetal development, the fetus's leg bones achieve their final relative proportions. In this process the muscles contract, causing movement at the fetus's synovial joints. The joint movement enhances the nutrition of the articular cartilage and prevents the fusion of connective tissues within the joint. It also promotes bone hardening. It is this stage, where the fetus's bones become more developed and harder, that the mother begins to notice fetal movement.
Rape	A form of sexual assault, that can be defined as, sexual penetration without consent (Sexual Assault, n.d.).
Relationship inauthenticity	refers to an incongruence between thoughts/feelings and actions within a relationship
Reproductive coercion	“Pressuring someone to have sex or messing with their birth control to cause a pregnancy” (What is sexual and reproductive control, n.d.).
Researcher Bias	ideas, values, or opinions held by researchers based on their cultural or social status that may skew some data
Resolution Phase	also known as the refractory period is a period of time that follows an orgasm during which an individual is incapable of experiencing another orgasm
Rudimentary	Basic; minimal; with less than, or only the minimum, necessary
Rugae	(of the vagina) folds of skin in the vagina that allow it to stretch during intercourse and childbirth
Sapiosexual	Someone who identifies as sapiosexual is attracted to someone based on their intellect rather than the gender or sex of the other person.
Scientific Method	A scientific process of research establishes parameters that help make sure results are objective and accurate
Scrotum	external pouch of skin and muscle that houses the testes
Secondary sexual characteristics	Physical characteristic developing at puberty which distinguishes between the sexes but is not directly involved in reproduction
Secondary follicles	ovarian follicles with a primary oocyte and multiple layers of granulosa cells
Secondary sex characteristics	physical characteristics that are influenced by sex steroid hormones and have supporting roles in reproductive function
Secretory phase	phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium secretes a nutrient-rich fluid in preparation for implantation of an embryo
Self-disclosure	the tendency to communicate frequently, without fear of reprisal, and in an accepting and empathetic manner
Semen	ejaculatory fluid composed of sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands
Seminal vesicle	gland that produces seminal fluid, which contributes to semen
Seminiferous tubules	tube structures within the testes where spermatogenesis occurs
Sensuality	the notion of being highly tuned into your senses
Sertoli cells	cells that support germ cells through the process of spermatogenesis; a type of sustentacular cell
Sex Education	high quality teaching and learning about a broad variety of topics related to sex and sexuality.
Sex therapist	therapist who specializes in sexuality.
Sexological Bodywork	body-based educational modality that supports individuals, couples, and groups to learn to direct their erotic development and to deepen their erotic wellbeing and embodiment” (Association of Certified Sexological Bodyworkers, 2022)
Sexual coercion	‘“The act of using pressure, alcohol or drugs, or force to have sexual contact with someone against his or her will” and includes “persistent attempts to have sexual contact with someone who has already refused”’ (What is Sexual Coercion, n.d.).
Sexual debut	First sexual intercourse
Sexual fantasy	is any mental picture or thoughts that come to mind while you are awake that generate sexual arousal
Sexual fluidity	one or more changes in a person’s sexuality or sexual identity.
Sexual harassment	Defined by federal guidelines and legal rulings and statutes, consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or physical conduct of a sexual nature used as a condition of employment or promotion or that interferes with an individual’s job performance and creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
Sexual health	fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries
Sexual Literacy	knowledge of sexual health and well-being
Sexual violence (SV)	Any sexual contact or behavior occurring without the explicit consent of the victim (Sexual Assault, n.d.). In other words, any unwanted sexual contact.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)	If you have sex — oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and skin to skin contact — you can get an STD , also called a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
sexuality	a person’s capacity for sexual feelings
Similarity thesis	we are attracted to and tend to form relationships with others who are similar to us.
Social Constructionism	is a theory of knowledge that holds that characteristics typically thought to be immutable and solely biological—such as gender, race, class, ability, and sexuality—are products of human definition and interpretation shaped by cultural and historical contexts.
Sociocultural Perspective	acknowledges that evolution plays some role in sex differences in attraction; however, the sex differences may be more to do with social and cultural factors.
Sperm	(also, spermatozoon) male gamete
Spermarche	First ejaculation of semen
spermatic cord	bundle of nerves and blood vessels that supplies the testes; contains ductus deferens
Spermatid	immature sperm cells produced by meiosis II of secondary spermatocytes
Spermatocyte	cell that results from the division of spermatogonium and undergoes meiosis I and meiosis II to form spermatids
Spermatogenesis	formation of new sperm, occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
Spermatogonia	(singular = spermatogonium) diploid precursor cells that become sperm
Spermiogenesis	transformation of spermatids to spermatozoa during spermatogenesis
Statutory rape	Any sexual relations with someone under the age of consent.
Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA)	The Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act and Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act are the U.S. Senate and House bills that as the FOSTA-SESTA package became law on April 11, 2018
Street-based sex-work	a form of sex work in which a sex worker solicits customers from a public place, most commonly a street, while waiting at street corners or walking alongside a street, but also other public places such as parks, benches, etc.
Structural Functionalism	sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of the individuals in that society.
Sunk cost bias	When we choose to stay in situations largely because we feel we have put too much effort in to be able to leave them behind.
Surrogate Partner Therapy (SPT)	is based on the work of sex researchers Masters and Johnson and uses their technique of sensate focus (touching for one’s own pleasure) as a basis for exploring physical intimacy
Survey Method	The collection of information from a sample of individuals through their responses to questions
Suspensory ligaments	bands of connective tissue that suspend the breast onto the chest wall by attachment to the overlying dermis
Symbolic Interactionism	explores how we make meaning out of our interactions with one another in everyday life and how the specific roles we play affect these interactions.
Testes	(singular = testis) male gonads
Tertiary follicles	(also, antral follicles) ovarian follicles with a primary or secondary oocyte, multiple layers of granulosa cells, and a fully formed antrum
Theca cells	estrogen-producing cells in a maturing ovarian follicle
Thrush	Creamy white flakes on a red papillae on tongue and tongue may be enlarged.
Transgender	a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth
Two-Spirit	an umbrella term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe Native people in their communities who fulfill a traditional third-gender (or other gender-variant) ceremonial and social role in their cultures.
Umbilical cord	The cord-like structure that connects the fetus to the placenta.
Uterus	muscular hollow organ in which a fertilized egg develops into a fetus
Vagina	tunnel-like organ that provides access to the uterus for the insertion of semen and from the uterus for the birth of a baby
Vaginal dryness	happens when estrogen levels drop and vaginal tissue thins and becomes more delicate.
Vasectomy	a procedure in which a small section of the ductus (vas) deferens is removed from the scrotum
Viral STIs	include HSV (herpes simplex virus), HPV (human papillomavirus) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
Volunteer Bias	A bias people who volunteer for research have that differentiate them from those who don’t volunteer
Vulva	external female genitalia
Wolffian duct	duct system present in the embryo that will eventually form the internal male reproductive structures
Zygote	A cell produced by the fusion of an egg and a sperm; a fertilized egg cell