Human sexuality - Revision history

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2025-12-25T08:34:46Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 08:34, 25 December 2025
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	{{~~imported~~\|Wikipedia}}		{{Imported\|Wikipedia}}
			{{Sex}}
			{{About\|human sexual anatomy, sexuality and perceptions\|text=For information specifically about sexual activities, see [[wikipedia:Human sexual activity\|Human sexual activity]].}}
			{{For-text\|the book\|[[wikipedia:Human Sexuality (book)\|Human Sexuality (book)]]}}
			{{Short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=December 2025}}
			'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[wikipedia:Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="cavendish">{{Cite book\|year=2010\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Marshall Cavendish\|Marshall Cavendish]]\|page=384\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|access-date=2017-06-21\|df=mdy-all\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="ferrante">{{Cite book\|year=2014\|last=Ferrante\|first=Joan\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Cengage Learning\|Cengage Learning]]\|page=207\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|access-date=2017-06-21\|df=mdy-all\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[wikipedia:Biological\|biological]], [[wikipedia:Erotic\|erotic]], [[wikipedia:Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[wikipedia:Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[wikipedia:Social\|social]] or [[wikipedia:Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="greenberg">{{Cite book\|last1=Greenberg\|first1=Jerrold S.\|last2=Bruess\|first2=Clint E.\|last3=Oswalt\|first3=Sara B.\|year=2016\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Jones & Bartlett Publishers\|Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|pages=4–10\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|access-date=2017-06-21\|df=mdy-all\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. […] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="bolin">{{Cite book\|last1=Bolin\|first1=Anne\|last2=Whelehan\|first2=Patricia\|year=2009\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Taylor & Francis\|Taylor & Francis]]\|pages=32–42\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="bolin" /> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[wikipedia:Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[wikipedia:Human sexual response cycle\|human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="greenberg" /><ref name="bolin" />

	~~{{about\|human sexual anatomy, sexuality and perceptions\|information specifically about sexual activities\|Human sexual activity}}~~		Someone's [[sexual orientation]] is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite or same sex.<ref name="AmPsycholAssn-whatis">{{cite web \|title=Sexual orientation, homosexuality and bisexuality \|publisher=[[American Psychological Association]] \|access-date=10 August 2013 \|url=http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx \|archive-date=8 August 2013 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808032050/http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx}}</ref> Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of [[Romance (love)\|love]], trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human [[society]] on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, [[morality\|moral]], [[ethical]], and religious aspects of life.<ref name="greenberg"/><ref name="bolin"/>
	~~{{Redirect\|Sexuality\|sexual behavior among other animals\|Animal sexual behaviour\|other uses\|Sexuality (disambiguation)}}~~
	~~{{For\|the book\|Human Sexuality (book)}}~~
	~~{{short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}~~
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2019}}~~

	'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="Cavendish">{{cite book\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|publisher=[[Marshall Cavendish]]\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|year=2010\|page=384\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="Ferrante">{{cite book\|author=Joan Ferrante\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|publisher=[[Cengage Learning]]\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|year=2014\|page=207\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[biological]], [[erotic]], [[Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[social]], or [[Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="S. Greenberg">{{cite book\|first1=Jerrold S. \|last1=Greenberg\|first2=Clint E. \|last2=Bruess \|first3=Sara B. \|last3=Oswalt\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|publisher=[[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|year=2016\|pages=4–10\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. [...] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="Bolin">{{cite book\|first1=Anne \|last1=Bolin \|first2=Patricia \|last2=Whelehan\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2\|year=2009\|pages=32–42\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="Bolin"/> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="S. Greenberg"/><ref name="Bolin"/>

	Someone's [[sexual orientation]] is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite or same sex.<ref name="AmPsycholAssn-whatis">{{cite web \|title=Sexual orientation, homosexuality and bisexuality \|publisher=[[American Psychological Association]] \|access-date=10 August 2013 \|url=http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx \|archive-date=8 August 2013 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808032050/http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx}}</ref> Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of [[Romance (love)\|love]], trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human [[society]] on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, [[morality\|moral]], [[ethical]], and religious aspects of life.<ref name="~~S. Greenberg~~"/><ref name="~~Bolin~~"/>

	Interest in sexual activity typically increases when an individual reaches [[puberty]].<ref>Carlson, Neil R. and C. Donald Heth. "Psychology: the Science of Behaviour." 4th Edition. Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc., 2007. 684.</ref> Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting nonsocial causes of sexual orientation than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors.<ref name=Bailey16>{{cite journal\|last1=Bailey\|first1=J. Michael\|last2=Vasey\|first2=Paul\|last3=Diamond\|first3=Lisa\|last4=Breedlove\|first4=S. Marc\|last5=Vilain\|first5=Eric\|last6=Epprecht\|first6=Marc\|title=Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science\|journal=Psychological Science in the Public Interest\|date=2016\|volume=17\|issue=2\|pages=45–101\|doi=10.1177/1529100616637616\|pmid=27113562\|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301639075\|doi-access=free}}</ref> This is [[further]] supported by cross-cultural evidence, because cultures that are very tolerant of homosexuality do not have significantly higher rates of it.<ref name=LeVay>{{cite book \|last=LeVay \|first=Simon \|date=2017 \|title=Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation \|page=19 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HmQFFfa03nkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199752966 }}</ref><ref name=Balthazart>{{cite book \|last=Balthazart \|first=Jacques \|date=2012 \|title=The Biology of Homosexuality \|pages=13–14 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3fjGjlcVINkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199838820 }}</ref>		Interest in sexual activity typically increases when an individual reaches [[puberty]].<ref>Carlson, Neil R. and C. Donald Heth. "Psychology: the Science of Behaviour." 4th Edition. Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc., 2007. 684.</ref> Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting nonsocial causes of sexual orientation than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors.<ref name=Bailey16>{{cite journal\|last1=Bailey\|first1=J. Michael\|last2=Vasey\|first2=Paul\|last3=Diamond\|first3=Lisa\|last4=Breedlove\|first4=S. Marc\|last5=Vilain\|first5=Eric\|last6=Epprecht\|first6=Marc\|title=Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science\|journal=Psychological Science in the Public Interest\|date=2016\|volume=17\|issue=2\|pages=45–101\|doi=10.1177/1529100616637616\|pmid=27113562\|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301639075\|doi-access=free}}</ref> This is [[further]] supported by cross-cultural evidence, because cultures that are very tolerant of homosexuality do not have significantly higher rates of it.<ref name=LeVay>{{cite book \|last=LeVay \|first=Simon \|date=2017 \|title=Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation \|page=19 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HmQFFfa03nkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199752966 }}</ref><ref name=Balthazart>{{cite book \|last=Balthazart \|first=Jacques \|date=2012 \|title=The Biology of Homosexuality \|pages=13–14 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3fjGjlcVINkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199838820 }}</ref>
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	{{Sex (biology)}}		{{Sex (biology)}}
	~~{{Human sexuality and sexology}}~~
	{{Human sexuality}}		{{Human sexuality}}
	{{Sexual ethics}}		{{Sexual ethics}}
	{{Sexual urban legends}}		{{Sexual urban legends}}
	~~<!--Eponymous categories:-->~~

	~~<!--Other categories:-->~~

	[[Category:Human sexuality\| ]]		[[Category:Human sexuality\| ]]

Quantumhusky at 23:00, 19 June 2021

2021-06-19T23:00:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:00, 19 June 2021
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	{{short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}		{{short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2019}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2019}}
	~~{{Close relationships \|emotions}}~~
	'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="Cavendish">{{cite book\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|publisher=[[Marshall Cavendish]]\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|year=2010\|page=384\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="Ferrante">{{cite book\|author=Joan Ferrante\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|publisher=[[Cengage Learning]]\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|year=2014\|page=207\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[biological]], [[erotic]], [[Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[social]], or [[Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="S. Greenberg">{{cite book\|first1=Jerrold S. \|last1=Greenberg\|first2=Clint E. \|last2=Bruess \|first3=Sara B. \|last3=Oswalt\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|publisher=[[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|year=2016\|pages=4–10\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. [...] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="Bolin">{{cite book\|first1=Anne \|last1=Bolin \|first2=Patricia \|last2=Whelehan\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2\|year=2009\|pages=32–42\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="Bolin"/> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="S. Greenberg"/><ref name="Bolin"/>		'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="Cavendish">{{cite book\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|publisher=[[Marshall Cavendish]]\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|year=2010\|page=384\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="Ferrante">{{cite book\|author=Joan Ferrante\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|publisher=[[Cengage Learning]]\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|year=2014\|page=207\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[biological]], [[erotic]], [[Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[social]], or [[Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="S. Greenberg">{{cite book\|first1=Jerrold S. \|last1=Greenberg\|first2=Clint E. \|last2=Bruess \|first3=Sara B. \|last3=Oswalt\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|publisher=[[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|year=2016\|pages=4–10\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. [...] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="Bolin">{{cite book\|first1=Anne \|last1=Bolin \|first2=Patricia \|last2=Whelehan\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2\|year=2009\|pages=32–42\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="Bolin"/> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="S. Greenberg"/><ref name="Bolin"/>

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	The idea that homosexuality results from reversed gender roles is reinforced by the media's portrayal of male homosexuals as effeminate and female homosexuals as masculine.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}} However, a person's conformity or non-conformity to gender stereotypes does not always predict sexual orientation. Society believes that if a man is masculine he is heterosexual, and if a man is feminine he is homosexual. There is no strong evidence that a homosexual or bisexual orientation must be associated with atypical gender roles. By the early 21st century, homosexuality was no longer considered to be a pathology. Theories have linked many factors, including genetic, anatomical, birth order, and hormones in the prenatal environment, to homosexuality.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The idea that homosexuality results from reversed gender roles is reinforced by the media's portrayal of male homosexuals as effeminate and female homosexuals as masculine.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}} However, a person's conformity or non-conformity to gender stereotypes does not always predict sexual orientation. Society believes that if a man is masculine he is heterosexual, and if a man is feminine he is homosexual. There is no strong evidence that a homosexual or bisexual orientation must be associated with atypical gender roles. By the early 21st century, homosexuality was no longer considered to be a pathology. Theories have linked many factors, including genetic, anatomical, birth order, and hormones in the prenatal environment, to homosexuality.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	Other than the need to procreate, there are many other reasons people have sex. According to one study conducted on college students (Meston & Buss, 2007), the four main reasons for sexual activities are; physical attraction, as a means to an end, to increase emotional connection, and to alleviate insecurity.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Psychology \|url=https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha \|url-access=registration \|year=2011 \|publisher=Worth Publishers \|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha/page/336 336]\|author1=Daniel L. Schacter \|author2=Daniel T. Gilbert \|author3=Daniel M. Wegner }}</ref>		Other than the need to procreate, there are many other reasons people have sex. According to one study conducted on college students (Meston & Buss, 2007), the four [[Portal:Main\|main]] reasons for sexual activities are; physical attraction, as a means to an end, to increase emotional connection, and to alleviate insecurity.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Psychology \|url=https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha \|url-access=registration \|year=2011 \|publisher=Worth Publishers \|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha/page/336 336]\|author1=Daniel L. Schacter \|author2=Daniel T. Gilbert \|author3=Daniel M. Wegner }}</ref>

	==Sexuality and age==		==Sexuality and age==

Quantumhusky at 23:00, 19 June 2021

2021-06-19T23:00:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:00, 19 June 2021
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	=====External male anatomy=====		=====External male anatomy=====
	~~[[File:Penis with Labels.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|External male genitals (depilated).]]~~
	<!--If removing clarifying specification of "uncircumcised", please explain why it is not helpful. Please allow tag for citation of the label content of this editor selfie to remain until the discussion in Talk has ended. (If Doc or someone check's it, against what source? That is what student readers need.) To remove preemptively is disrespectful, and begs the outcome of the discussion.-->

	The male genitalia are the penis and the scrotum. The penis provides a passageway for sperm and urine. An average-sized flaccid penis is about {{convert\|3+3/4\|inch\|cm\|abbr=out}} in length and {{convert\|1+1/5\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} in diameter. When erect, the average penis is between {{convert\|4+1/2\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} to {{convert\|6\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} in length and {{convert\|1+1/2\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} in diameter. The penis's internal structures consist of the [[shaft (penis)\|shaft]], [[glans]], and the [[root]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The male genitalia are the penis and the scrotum. The penis provides a passageway for sperm and urine. An average-sized flaccid penis is about {{convert\|3+3/4\|inch\|cm\|abbr=out}} in length and {{convert\|1+1/5\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} in diameter. When erect, the average penis is between {{convert\|4+1/2\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} to {{convert\|6\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} in length and {{convert\|1+1/2\|in\|cm\|abbr=out}} in diameter. The penis's internal structures consist of the [[shaft (penis)\|shaft]], [[glans]], and the [[root]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}
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	The vaginal opening and the urethral opening are only visible when the labia minora are parted. These openings have many nerve endings that make them sensitive to touch. They are surrounded by a ring of sphincter muscles called the [[bulbocavernosus muscle]]. Underneath this muscle and on opposite sides of the vaginal opening are the vestibular bulbs, which help the vagina grip the penis by swelling with blood during arousal. Within the vaginal opening is the [[hymen]], a thin membrane that partially covers the opening in many [[Virginity\|virgins]]. Rupture of the hymen has been historically considered the loss of one's virginity, though, by modern standards, loss of virginity is considered to be the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can be ruptured by activities other than sexual intercourse. The urethral opening connects to the bladder with the urethra; it expels urine from the bladder. This is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The vaginal opening and the urethral opening are only visible when the labia minora are parted. These openings have many nerve endings that make them sensitive to touch. They are surrounded by a ring of sphincter muscles called the [[bulbocavernosus muscle]]. Underneath this muscle and on opposite sides of the vaginal opening are the vestibular bulbs, which help the vagina grip the penis by swelling with blood during arousal. Within the vaginal opening is the [[hymen]], a thin membrane that partially covers the opening in many [[Virginity\|virgins]]. Rupture of the hymen has been historically considered the loss of one's virginity, though, by modern standards, loss of virginity is considered to be the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can be ruptured by activities other than sexual intercourse. The urethral opening connects to the bladder with the urethra; it expels urine from the bladder. This is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	The [[breast]]s are the subcutaneous tissues on the front thorax of the female body.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Though they are not technically part of a woman's sexual anatomy, they do have roles in both sexual pleasure and reproduction.<ref name=Lehmiller>{{cite book \|last=Lehmiller \|first=Justin \|date=2018 \|title=The Psychology of Human Sexuality \|edition=Second \|pages=74–75 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JXJGDwAAQBAJ \|publisher=John Wiley & Sons Ltd \|isbn=9781119164739 }}</ref> Breasts are modified sweat glands made up of fibrous tissues and fat that provide support and contain nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Their main purpose is to provide milk to a developing infant. Breasts develop during puberty in response to an increase in estrogen. Each adult breast consists of 15 to 20 milk-producing [[mammary glands]], irregularly shaped lobes that include [[alveolar gland]]s and a lactiferous duct leading to the nipple. The lobes are separated by dense connective tissues that support the glands and attach them to the tissues on the underlying pectoral muscles.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Other connective tissue, which forms dense strands called suspensory ligaments, extends inward from the skin of the breast to the pectoral tissue to support the weight of the breast.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Heredity and the quantity of fatty tissue determine the size of the breasts.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The [[breast]]s are the subcutaneous tissues on the front thorax of the female body.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Though they are not technically part of a woman's sexual anatomy, they do have roles in both sexual pleasure and reproduction.<ref name=Lehmiller>{{cite book \|last=Lehmiller \|first=Justin \|date=2018 \|title=The Psychology of Human Sexuality \|edition=Second \|pages=74–75 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JXJGDwAAQBAJ \|publisher=John Wiley & Sons Ltd \|isbn=9781119164739 }}</ref> Breasts are modified sweat glands made up of fibrous tissues and fat that provide support and contain nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Their [[Portal:Main\|main]] purpose is to provide milk to a developing infant. Breasts develop during puberty in response to an increase in estrogen. Each adult breast consists of 15 to 20 milk-producing [[mammary glands]], irregularly shaped lobes that include [[alveolar gland]]s and a lactiferous duct leading to the nipple. The lobes are separated by dense connective tissues that support the glands and attach them to the tissues on the underlying pectoral muscles.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Other connective tissue, which forms dense strands called suspensory ligaments, extends inward from the skin of the breast to the pectoral tissue to support the weight of the breast.<ref name="innerbody.com"/> Heredity and the quantity of fatty tissue determine the size of the breasts.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	Men typically find female breasts attractive<ref>{{cite book \|last=Buss \|first=David \|date=2019 \|title=Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind \|edition=Sixth \|chapter=Men's Long-Term Mating Strategies\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sn6JDwAAQBAJ \|publisher=Routledge \|isbn=9780429590061 }}</ref> and this holds true for a variety of cultures.<ref>{{cite journal \|author=Jan Havlíček \|author2=Vít Třebický \|author3=Jaroslava Varella Valentova \|author4=Karel Kleisner \|author5=Robert Mbe Akoko \|author6=Jitka Fialová \|author7=Rosina Jash \|author8=Tomáš Kočnar \|author9=Kamila Janaina Pereira \|author10=Zuzana Štěrbová \|author11=Marco Antonio Correa Varella \|author12=Jana Vokurková \|author13=Ernest Vunan \|author14=S Craig Roberts \|title=Men's preferences for women's breast size and shape in four cultures \|journal=Evolution and Human Behavior \|date=2017\|volume=38 \|issue=2 \|pages=217–226 \|doi=10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2016.10.002 \|hdl=1893/24421 \|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal \|author=Barnaby J Dixson \|author2=Paul L Vasey \|author3=Katayo Sagata \|author4=Nokuthaba Sibanda \|author5=Wayne L Linklater \|author6=Alan F Dixson \|title=Men's preferences for women's breast morphology in New Zealand, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea \|journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior \|date=2011 \|volume=40 \|issue=6 \|pages=1271–1279 \|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46404564 \|doi=10.1007/s10508-010-9680-6\|pmid=20862533 \|s2cid=34125295}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal\|author=Frank W. Marlowe \|title=Mate preferences among Hadza hunter-gatherers\|journal=Human Nature \|date=2004\|volume=15\|issue=4\|pages=365–376\|url=https://www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/readings/Marlowe-hadza-mate-selection-criteria.pdf\|doi=10.1007/s12110-004-1014-8\|pmid=26189412\|s2cid=9584357}}</ref> In women, [[stimulation of nipples\|stimulation of the nipple]] seems to result in activation of the brain's genital sensory cortex (the same region of the brain activated by stimulation of the clitoris, vagina, and cervix).<ref>{{cite journal \|author=Barry R Komisaruk \|author2=Nan Wise \|author3=Eleni Frangos \|author4=Wen-Ching Liu \|author5=Kachina Allen \|author6=Stuart Brody \|title=Women's clitoris, vagina, and cervix mapped on the sensory cortex: fMRI evidence\|journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine \|date=2011\|volume=8\|issue=10\|pages=2822–2830\|pmc=3186818\|pmid=21797981\|doi=10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02388.x}}</ref> This may be why many women find nipple stimulation arousing and why some women are able to orgasm by nipple stimulation alone.<ref name=Lehmiller/>		Men typically find female breasts attractive<ref>{{cite book \|last=Buss \|first=David \|date=2019 \|title=Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind \|edition=Sixth \|chapter=Men's Long-Term Mating Strategies\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sn6JDwAAQBAJ \|publisher=Routledge \|isbn=9780429590061 }}</ref> and this holds true for a variety of cultures.<ref>{{cite journal \|author=Jan Havlíček \|author2=Vít Třebický \|author3=Jaroslava Varella Valentova \|author4=Karel Kleisner \|author5=Robert Mbe Akoko \|author6=Jitka Fialová \|author7=Rosina Jash \|author8=Tomáš Kočnar \|author9=Kamila Janaina Pereira \|author10=Zuzana Štěrbová \|author11=Marco Antonio Correa Varella \|author12=Jana Vokurková \|author13=Ernest Vunan \|author14=S Craig Roberts \|title=Men's preferences for women's breast size and shape in four cultures \|journal=Evolution and Human Behavior \|date=2017\|volume=38 \|issue=2 \|pages=217–226 \|doi=10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2016.10.002 \|hdl=1893/24421 \|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal \|author=Barnaby J Dixson \|author2=Paul L Vasey \|author3=Katayo Sagata \|author4=Nokuthaba Sibanda \|author5=Wayne L Linklater \|author6=Alan F Dixson \|title=Men's preferences for women's breast morphology in New Zealand, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea \|journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior \|date=2011 \|volume=40 \|issue=6 \|pages=1271–1279 \|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46404564 \|doi=10.1007/s10508-010-9680-6\|pmid=20862533 \|s2cid=34125295}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal\|author=Frank W. Marlowe \|title=Mate preferences among Hadza hunter-gatherers\|journal=Human Nature \|date=2004\|volume=15\|issue=4\|pages=365–376\|url=https://www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/readings/Marlowe-hadza-mate-selection-criteria.pdf\|doi=10.1007/s12110-004-1014-8\|pmid=26189412\|s2cid=9584357}}</ref> In women, [[stimulation of nipples\|stimulation of the nipple]] seems to result in activation of the brain's genital sensory cortex (the same region of the brain activated by stimulation of the clitoris, vagina, and cervix).<ref>{{cite journal \|author=Barry R Komisaruk \|author2=Nan Wise \|author3=Eleni Frangos \|author4=Wen-Ching Liu \|author5=Kachina Allen \|author6=Stuart Brody \|title=Women's clitoris, vagina, and cervix mapped on the sensory cortex: fMRI evidence\|journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine \|date=2011\|volume=8\|issue=10\|pages=2822–2830\|pmc=3186818\|pmid=21797981\|doi=10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02388.x}}</ref> This may be why many women find nipple stimulation arousing and why some women are able to orgasm by nipple stimulation alone.<ref name=Lehmiller/>

Quantumhusky at 22:59, 19 June 2021

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	=====External female anatomy=====		=====External female anatomy=====
	~~[[File:Vulva labeled english.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|External female genitals (depilated).]]~~

	The mons veneris, also known as the [[Mons pubis\|Mound of Venus]], is a soft layer of fatty tissue overlaying the pubic bone.<ref>{{cite book\|last1=Hyde \|last2=DeLamater \|last3=Byers\|title=Understanding Human Sexuality 5th Canadian ed.\|year=2012 \|isbn=978-0-07-032972-0\|page=78}}</ref> Following puberty, this area grows in size. It has many nerve endings and is sensitive to stimulation.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The mons veneris, also known as the [[Mons pubis\|Mound of Venus]], is a soft layer of fatty tissue overlaying the pubic bone.<ref>{{cite book\|last1=Hyde \|last2=DeLamater \|last3=Byers\|title=Understanding Human Sexuality 5th Canadian ed.\|year=2012 \|isbn=978-0-07-032972-0\|page=78}}</ref> Following puberty, this area grows in size. It has many nerve endings and is sensitive to stimulation.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}
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	The labia minora are composed of connective tissues that are richly supplied with blood vessels which cause a pinkish appearance. Near the anus, the labia minora merge with the labia majora.<ref name="innerbody.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.innerbody.com/image/repfov.html \|title=Female Reproductive System – Anatomy Pictures and Information \|publisher=Innerbody.com \|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> In a sexually unstimulated state, the labia minora protects the vaginal and urethral opening by covering them.<ref>''Human Reproductive Biology'' by Mark M. Jones (2012), p. 63.</ref> At the base of the labia minora are the [[Bartholin's glands]], which add a few drops of an alkaline fluid to the vagina via ducts; this fluid helps to counteract the acidity of the outer vagina since sperm cannot live in an acidic environment.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The labia minora are composed of connective tissues that are richly supplied with blood vessels which cause a pinkish appearance. Near the anus, the labia minora merge with the labia majora.<ref name="innerbody.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.innerbody.com/image/repfov.html \|title=Female Reproductive System – Anatomy Pictures and Information \|publisher=Innerbody.com \|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> In a sexually unstimulated state, the labia minora protects the vaginal and urethral opening by covering them.<ref>''Human Reproductive Biology'' by Mark M. Jones (2012), p. 63.</ref> At the base of the labia minora are the [[Bartholin's glands]], which add a few drops of an alkaline fluid to the vagina via ducts; this fluid helps to counteract the acidity of the outer vagina since sperm cannot live in an acidic environment.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	The clitoris is developed from the same embryonic tissue as the penis; it or its [[Clitoral glans\|glans]] alone consists of as many (or more in some cases) nerve endings as the human penis or glans penis, making it extremely sensitive to touch.<ref name="Francoeur">{{cite book \|last=Francoeur \|first=Robert T. \|year=2000 \|title=The Complete Dictionary of Sexology \|publisher=The Continuum Publishing Company \|page=[https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 180] \|isbn=978-0-8264-0672-9 \|url=https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 }}</ref><ref name="Carroll">{{cite book \| title =Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity \| publisher = [[Cengage Learning]] \| year = 2009 \| page = 118 \| access-date =23 June 2012 \| url = {{Google books \|plainurl=yes \|id=5f8mQx7ULs4C \|}} \|isbn =978-0-495-60274-3 \| first = Janell L. \| last = Carroll}}</ref><ref name="Can't feel">{{cite web \| title = I'm a woman who cannot feel pleasurable sensations during intercourse \| publisher = [[Go Ask Alice!]] \| date = 8 October 2004\| access-date = 13 September 2012\|url=http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/im-woman-who-cannot-feel-pleasurable-sensations-during-intercourse \|archive-date= 7 January 2011\|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110107184029/http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3229.html}}</ref> The clitoral glans, which is a small, elongated erectile structure, has only one known function—sexual sensations. It is the female's most sensitive [[erogenous zone]] and the main source of orgasm in women.<ref name="Clitoris">{{cite web\|title=I Want a Better Orgasm!\|website=[[WebMD]]\|access-date=18 August 2011\|url=http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113132443/http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref name="Flaherty">{{cite book\|first1=Joseph A.\|last1=Flaherty\|first2=John Marcell\|last2=Davis\|first3=Philip G.\|last3=Janicak\|title=Psychiatry: Diagnosis & therapy. A Lange clinical manual\|isbn=978-0-8385-1267-8\|publisher=Appleton & Lange (Original from Northwestern University)\|year=1993\|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217 217]\|url=https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217\|quote=The amount of time of sexual arousal needed to reach orgasm is variable—and usually much longer—in women than in men; thus, only 20–30% of women attain a coital climax. b. Many women (70–80%) require manual clitoral stimulation...}}</ref><ref name="Kenneth Mah">{{cite journal \| first1 = Kenneth \| last1 = Mah \| first2 = Yitzchak M \| last2 = Binik \| title = The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends \| journal = [[Clinical Psychology Review]] \| volume = 21 \| issue = 6 \| pages = 823–856 \|date=7 January 2001 \| pmid = 11497209\| doi = 10.1016/S0272-7358(00)00069-6 \| quote=Women rated clitoral stimulation as at least somewhat more important than vaginal stimulation in achieving orgasm; only about 20% indicated that they did not require additional clitoral stimulation during intercourse.}}</ref><ref name="Kammerer-Doak">{{cite journal \| first1 = Dorothy \| last1 = Kammerer-Doak \| first2 = Rebecca G. \| last2 = Rogers \| title = Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction \| journal = Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America \| volume = 35 \| issue = 2 \| pages = 169–183 \|date=June 2008 \| pmid = 18486835 \| doi = 10.1016/j.ogc.2008.03.006 \| quote=Most women report the inability to achieve orgasm with vaginal intercourse and require direct clitoral stimulation ... About 20% have coital climaxes...}}</ref> Thick secretions called [[smegma]] collect around the clitoris.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The clitoris is developed from the same embryonic tissue as the penis; it or its [[Clitoral glans\|glans]] alone consists of as many (or more in some cases) nerve endings as the human penis or glans penis, making it extremely sensitive to touch.<ref name="Francoeur">{{cite book \|last=Francoeur \|first=Robert T. \|year=2000 \|title=The Complete Dictionary of Sexology \|publisher=The Continuum Publishing Company \|page=[https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 180] \|isbn=978-0-8264-0672-9 \|url=https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 }}</ref><ref name="Carroll">{{cite book \| title =Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity \| publisher = [[Cengage Learning]] \| year = 2009 \| page = 118 \| access-date =23 June 2012 \| url = {{Google books \|plainurl=yes \|id=5f8mQx7ULs4C \|}} \|isbn =978-0-495-60274-3 \| first = Janell L. \| last = Carroll}}</ref><ref name="Can't feel">{{cite web \| title = I'm a woman who cannot feel pleasurable sensations during intercourse \| publisher = [[Go Ask Alice!]] \| date = 8 October 2004\| access-date = 13 September 2012\|url=http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/im-woman-who-cannot-feel-pleasurable-sensations-during-intercourse \|archive-date= 7 January 2011\|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110107184029/http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3229.html}}</ref> The clitoral glans, which is a small, elongated erectile structure, has only one known function—sexual sensations. It is the female's most sensitive [[erogenous zone]] and the [[Portal:Main\|main]] source of orgasm in women.<ref name="Clitoris">{{cite web\|title=I Want a Better Orgasm!\|website=[[WebMD]]\|access-date=18 August 2011\|url=http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113132443/http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref name="Flaherty">{{cite book\|first1=Joseph A.\|last1=Flaherty\|first2=John Marcell\|last2=Davis\|first3=Philip G.\|last3=Janicak\|title=Psychiatry: Diagnosis & therapy. A Lange clinical manual\|isbn=978-0-8385-1267-8\|publisher=Appleton & Lange (Original from Northwestern University)\|year=1993\|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217 217]\|url=https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217\|quote=The amount of time of sexual arousal needed to reach orgasm is variable—and usually much longer—in women than in men; thus, only 20–30% of women attain a coital climax. b. Many women (70–80%) require manual clitoral stimulation...}}</ref><ref name="Kenneth Mah">{{cite journal \| first1 = Kenneth \| last1 = Mah \| first2 = Yitzchak M \| last2 = Binik \| title = The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends \| journal = [[Clinical Psychology Review]] \| volume = 21 \| issue = 6 \| pages = 823–856 \|date=7 January 2001 \| pmid = 11497209\| doi = 10.1016/S0272-7358(00)00069-6 \| quote=Women rated clitoral stimulation as at least somewhat more important than vaginal stimulation in achieving orgasm; only about 20% indicated that they did not require additional clitoral stimulation during intercourse.}}</ref><ref name="Kammerer-Doak">{{cite journal \| first1 = Dorothy \| last1 = Kammerer-Doak \| first2 = Rebecca G. \| last2 = Rogers \| title = Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction \| journal = Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America \| volume = 35 \| issue = 2 \| pages = 169–183 \|date=June 2008 \| pmid = 18486835 \| doi = 10.1016/j.ogc.2008.03.006 \| quote=Most women report the inability to achieve orgasm with vaginal intercourse and require direct clitoral stimulation ... About 20% have coital climaxes...}}</ref> Thick secretions called [[smegma]] collect around the clitoris.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	The vaginal opening and the urethral opening are only visible when the labia minora are parted. These openings have many nerve endings that make them sensitive to touch. They are surrounded by a ring of sphincter muscles called the [[bulbocavernosus muscle]]. Underneath this muscle and on opposite sides of the vaginal opening are the vestibular bulbs, which help the vagina grip the penis by swelling with blood during arousal. Within the vaginal opening is the [[hymen]], a thin membrane that partially covers the opening in many [[Virginity\|virgins]]. Rupture of the hymen has been historically considered the loss of one's virginity, though, by modern standards, loss of virginity is considered to be the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can be ruptured by activities other than sexual intercourse. The urethral opening connects to the bladder with the urethra; it expels urine from the bladder. This is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The vaginal opening and the urethral opening are only visible when the labia minora are parted. These openings have many nerve endings that make them sensitive to touch. They are surrounded by a ring of sphincter muscles called the [[bulbocavernosus muscle]]. Underneath this muscle and on opposite sides of the vaginal opening are the vestibular bulbs, which help the vagina grip the penis by swelling with blood during arousal. Within the vaginal opening is the [[hymen]], a thin membrane that partially covers the opening in many [[Virginity\|virgins]]. Rupture of the hymen has been historically considered the loss of one's virginity, though, by modern standards, loss of virginity is considered to be the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can be ruptured by activities other than sexual intercourse. The urethral opening connects to the bladder with the urethra; it expels urine from the bladder. This is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

Quantumhusky at 22:58, 19 June 2021

2021-06-19T22:58:23Z

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Quantumhusky: 1 revision imported

2021-06-19T22:54:21Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:54, 19 June 2021
(No difference)

en>Jarble: linking

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linking

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← Older revision		Revision as of 08:34, 25 December 2025
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	{{~~imported~~\|Wikipedia}}		{{Imported\|Wikipedia}}
			{{Sex}}
			{{About\|human sexual anatomy, sexuality and perceptions\|text=For information specifically about sexual activities, see [[wikipedia:Human sexual activity\|Human sexual activity]].}}
			{{For-text\|the book\|[[wikipedia:Human Sexuality (book)\|Human Sexuality (book)]]}}
			{{Short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=December 2025}}
			'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[wikipedia:Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="cavendish">{{Cite book\|year=2010\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Marshall Cavendish\|Marshall Cavendish]]\|page=384\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|access-date=2017-06-21\|df=mdy-all\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="ferrante">{{Cite book\|year=2014\|last=Ferrante\|first=Joan\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Cengage Learning\|Cengage Learning]]\|page=207\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|access-date=2017-06-21\|df=mdy-all\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[wikipedia:Biological\|biological]], [[wikipedia:Erotic\|erotic]], [[wikipedia:Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[wikipedia:Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[wikipedia:Social\|social]] or [[wikipedia:Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="greenberg">{{Cite book\|last1=Greenberg\|first1=Jerrold S.\|last2=Bruess\|first2=Clint E.\|last3=Oswalt\|first3=Sara B.\|year=2016\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Jones & Bartlett Publishers\|Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|pages=4–10\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|access-date=2017-06-21\|df=mdy-all\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. […] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="bolin">{{Cite book\|last1=Bolin\|first1=Anne\|last2=Whelehan\|first2=Patricia\|year=2009\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32\|publisher=[[wikipedia:Taylor & Francis\|Taylor & Francis]]\|pages=32–42\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="bolin" /> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[wikipedia:Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[wikipedia:Human sexual response cycle\|human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="greenberg" /><ref name="bolin" />

	~~{{about\|human sexual anatomy, sexuality and perceptions\|information specifically about sexual activities\|Human sexual activity}}~~		Someone's [[sexual orientation]] is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite or same sex.<ref name="AmPsycholAssn-whatis">{{cite web \|title=Sexual orientation, homosexuality and bisexuality \|publisher=[[American Psychological Association]] \|access-date=10 August 2013 \|url=http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx \|archive-date=8 August 2013 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808032050/http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx}}</ref> Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of [[Romance (love)\|love]], trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human [[society]] on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, [[morality\|moral]], [[ethical]], and religious aspects of life.<ref name="greenberg"/><ref name="bolin"/>
	~~{{Redirect\|Sexuality\|sexual behavior among other animals\|Animal sexual behaviour\|other uses\|Sexuality (disambiguation)}}~~
	~~{{For\|the book\|Human Sexuality (book)}}~~
	~~{{short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}~~
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2019}}~~

	'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="Cavendish">{{cite book\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|publisher=[[Marshall Cavendish]]\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|year=2010\|page=384\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="Ferrante">{{cite book\|author=Joan Ferrante\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|publisher=[[Cengage Learning]]\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|year=2014\|page=207\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[biological]], [[erotic]], [[Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[social]], or [[Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="S. Greenberg">{{cite book\|first1=Jerrold S. \|last1=Greenberg\|first2=Clint E. \|last2=Bruess \|first3=Sara B. \|last3=Oswalt\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|publisher=[[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|year=2016\|pages=4–10\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. [...] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="Bolin">{{cite book\|first1=Anne \|last1=Bolin \|first2=Patricia \|last2=Whelehan\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2\|year=2009\|pages=32–42\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="Bolin"/> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="S. Greenberg"/><ref name="Bolin"/>

	Someone's [[sexual orientation]] is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite or same sex.<ref name="AmPsycholAssn-whatis">{{cite web \|title=Sexual orientation, homosexuality and bisexuality \|publisher=[[American Psychological Association]] \|access-date=10 August 2013 \|url=http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx \|archive-date=8 August 2013 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808032050/http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx}}</ref> Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of [[Romance (love)\|love]], trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human [[society]] on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, [[morality\|moral]], [[ethical]], and religious aspects of life.<ref name="~~S. Greenberg~~"/><ref name="~~Bolin~~"/>

	Interest in sexual activity typically increases when an individual reaches [[puberty]].<ref>Carlson, Neil R. and C. Donald Heth. "Psychology: the Science of Behaviour." 4th Edition. Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc., 2007. 684.</ref> Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting nonsocial causes of sexual orientation than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors.<ref name=Bailey16>{{cite journal\|last1=Bailey\|first1=J. Michael\|last2=Vasey\|first2=Paul\|last3=Diamond\|first3=Lisa\|last4=Breedlove\|first4=S. Marc\|last5=Vilain\|first5=Eric\|last6=Epprecht\|first6=Marc\|title=Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science\|journal=Psychological Science in the Public Interest\|date=2016\|volume=17\|issue=2\|pages=45–101\|doi=10.1177/1529100616637616\|pmid=27113562\|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301639075\|doi-access=free}}</ref> This is [[further]] supported by cross-cultural evidence, because cultures that are very tolerant of homosexuality do not have significantly higher rates of it.<ref name=LeVay>{{cite book \|last=LeVay \|first=Simon \|date=2017 \|title=Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation \|page=19 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HmQFFfa03nkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199752966 }}</ref><ref name=Balthazart>{{cite book \|last=Balthazart \|first=Jacques \|date=2012 \|title=The Biology of Homosexuality \|pages=13–14 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3fjGjlcVINkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199838820 }}</ref>		Interest in sexual activity typically increases when an individual reaches [[puberty]].<ref>Carlson, Neil R. and C. Donald Heth. "Psychology: the Science of Behaviour." 4th Edition. Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc., 2007. 684.</ref> Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting nonsocial causes of sexual orientation than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors.<ref name=Bailey16>{{cite journal\|last1=Bailey\|first1=J. Michael\|last2=Vasey\|first2=Paul\|last3=Diamond\|first3=Lisa\|last4=Breedlove\|first4=S. Marc\|last5=Vilain\|first5=Eric\|last6=Epprecht\|first6=Marc\|title=Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science\|journal=Psychological Science in the Public Interest\|date=2016\|volume=17\|issue=2\|pages=45–101\|doi=10.1177/1529100616637616\|pmid=27113562\|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301639075\|doi-access=free}}</ref> This is [[further]] supported by cross-cultural evidence, because cultures that are very tolerant of homosexuality do not have significantly higher rates of it.<ref name=LeVay>{{cite book \|last=LeVay \|first=Simon \|date=2017 \|title=Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation \|page=19 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HmQFFfa03nkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199752966 }}</ref><ref name=Balthazart>{{cite book \|last=Balthazart \|first=Jacques \|date=2012 \|title=The Biology of Homosexuality \|pages=13–14 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3fjGjlcVINkC \|publisher=Oxford University Press \|isbn=9780199838820 }}</ref>
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	{{Sex (biology)}}		{{Sex (biology)}}
	~~{{Human sexuality and sexology}}~~
	{{Human sexuality}}		{{Human sexuality}}
	{{Sexual ethics}}		{{Sexual ethics}}
	{{Sexual urban legends}}		{{Sexual urban legends}}
	~~<!--Eponymous categories:-->~~

	~~<!--Other categories:-->~~

	[[Category:Human sexuality\| ]]		[[Category:Human sexuality\| ]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:00, 19 June 2021
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	{{short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}		{{short description\|The way people experience and express themselves sexually}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2019}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2019}}
	~~{{Close relationships \|emotions}}~~
	'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="Cavendish">{{cite book\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|publisher=[[Marshall Cavendish]]\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|year=2010\|page=384\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="Ferrante">{{cite book\|author=Joan Ferrante\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|publisher=[[Cengage Learning]]\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|year=2014\|page=207\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[biological]], [[erotic]], [[Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[social]], or [[Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="S. Greenberg">{{cite book\|first1=Jerrold S. \|last1=Greenberg\|first2=Clint E. \|last2=Bruess \|first3=Sara B. \|last3=Oswalt\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|publisher=[[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|year=2016\|pages=4–10\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. [...] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="Bolin">{{cite book\|first1=Anne \|last1=Bolin \|first2=Patricia \|last2=Whelehan\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2\|year=2009\|pages=32–42\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="Bolin"/> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="S. Greenberg"/><ref name="Bolin"/>		'''Human [[sexuality]]''' is the way people experience and express themselves [[Human sexual activity\|sexually]].<ref name="Cavendish">{{cite book\|title=Sex and Society, Volume 2\|publisher=[[Marshall Cavendish]]\|isbn=978-0-7614-7907-9\|year=2010\|page=384\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsxeWE7VD0C&pg=PA384\|quote=The term human sexuality broadly refers to how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref><ref name="Ferrante">{{cite book\|author=Joan Ferrante\|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective\|publisher=[[Cengage Learning]]\|isbn=978-1-285-74646-3\|year=2014\|page=207\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Au4bCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA207\|quote=Sexuality encompasses all the ways people experience and express themselves as sexual beings.}}</ref> This involves [[biological]], [[erotic]], [[Physical intimacy\|physical]], [[Emotional intimacy\|emotional]], [[social]], or [[Spirituality\|spiritual]] feelings and behaviors.<ref name="S. Greenberg">{{cite book\|first1=Jerrold S. \|last1=Greenberg\|first2=Clint E. \|last2=Bruess \|first3=Sara B. \|last3=Oswalt\|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality\|publisher=[[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]]\|isbn=978-1-284-08154-1\|year=2016\|pages=4–10\|access-date=21 June 2017\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4\|quote=Human sexuality is a part of your total personality. It involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions. [...] It is the total of our physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, thoughts, and feelings.}}</ref><ref name="Bolin">{{cite book\|first1=Anne \|last1=Bolin \|first2=Patricia \|last2=Whelehan\|title=Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives\|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]\|isbn=978-0-7890-2671-2\|year=2009\|pages=32–42\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qrPHYok19v8C&pg=PA32}}</ref> Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition.<ref name="Bolin"/> The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the [[Human reproduction\|human reproductive functions]], including the [[human sexual response cycle]].<ref name="S. Greenberg"/><ref name="Bolin"/>

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	The idea that homosexuality results from reversed gender roles is reinforced by the media's portrayal of male homosexuals as effeminate and female homosexuals as masculine.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}} However, a person's conformity or non-conformity to gender stereotypes does not always predict sexual orientation. Society believes that if a man is masculine he is heterosexual, and if a man is feminine he is homosexual. There is no strong evidence that a homosexual or bisexual orientation must be associated with atypical gender roles. By the early 21st century, homosexuality was no longer considered to be a pathology. Theories have linked many factors, including genetic, anatomical, birth order, and hormones in the prenatal environment, to homosexuality.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The idea that homosexuality results from reversed gender roles is reinforced by the media's portrayal of male homosexuals as effeminate and female homosexuals as masculine.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}} However, a person's conformity or non-conformity to gender stereotypes does not always predict sexual orientation. Society believes that if a man is masculine he is heterosexual, and if a man is feminine he is homosexual. There is no strong evidence that a homosexual or bisexual orientation must be associated with atypical gender roles. By the early 21st century, homosexuality was no longer considered to be a pathology. Theories have linked many factors, including genetic, anatomical, birth order, and hormones in the prenatal environment, to homosexuality.<ref name="King, B. 2009"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	Other than the need to procreate, there are many other reasons people have sex. According to one study conducted on college students (Meston & Buss, 2007), the four main reasons for sexual activities are; physical attraction, as a means to an end, to increase emotional connection, and to alleviate insecurity.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Psychology \|url=https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha \|url-access=registration \|year=2011 \|publisher=Worth Publishers \|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha/page/336 336]\|author1=Daniel L. Schacter \|author2=Daniel T. Gilbert \|author3=Daniel M. Wegner }}</ref>		Other than the need to procreate, there are many other reasons people have sex. According to one study conducted on college students (Meston & Buss, 2007), the four [[Portal:Main\|main]] reasons for sexual activities are; physical attraction, as a means to an end, to increase emotional connection, and to alleviate insecurity.<ref>{{cite book \|title=Psychology \|url=https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha \|url-access=registration \|year=2011 \|publisher=Worth Publishers \|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychology0000scha/page/336 336]\|author1=Daniel L. Schacter \|author2=Daniel T. Gilbert \|author3=Daniel M. Wegner }}</ref>

	==Sexuality and age==		==Sexuality and age==

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:59, 19 June 2021
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	=====External female anatomy=====		=====External female anatomy=====
	~~[[File:Vulva labeled english.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|External female genitals (depilated).]]~~

	The mons veneris, also known as the [[Mons pubis\|Mound of Venus]], is a soft layer of fatty tissue overlaying the pubic bone.<ref>{{cite book\|last1=Hyde \|last2=DeLamater \|last3=Byers\|title=Understanding Human Sexuality 5th Canadian ed.\|year=2012 \|isbn=978-0-07-032972-0\|page=78}}</ref> Following puberty, this area grows in size. It has many nerve endings and is sensitive to stimulation.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The mons veneris, also known as the [[Mons pubis\|Mound of Venus]], is a soft layer of fatty tissue overlaying the pubic bone.<ref>{{cite book\|last1=Hyde \|last2=DeLamater \|last3=Byers\|title=Understanding Human Sexuality 5th Canadian ed.\|year=2012 \|isbn=978-0-07-032972-0\|page=78}}</ref> Following puberty, this area grows in size. It has many nerve endings and is sensitive to stimulation.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}
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	The labia minora are composed of connective tissues that are richly supplied with blood vessels which cause a pinkish appearance. Near the anus, the labia minora merge with the labia majora.<ref name="innerbody.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.innerbody.com/image/repfov.html \|title=Female Reproductive System – Anatomy Pictures and Information \|publisher=Innerbody.com \|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> In a sexually unstimulated state, the labia minora protects the vaginal and urethral opening by covering them.<ref>''Human Reproductive Biology'' by Mark M. Jones (2012), p. 63.</ref> At the base of the labia minora are the [[Bartholin's glands]], which add a few drops of an alkaline fluid to the vagina via ducts; this fluid helps to counteract the acidity of the outer vagina since sperm cannot live in an acidic environment.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The labia minora are composed of connective tissues that are richly supplied with blood vessels which cause a pinkish appearance. Near the anus, the labia minora merge with the labia majora.<ref name="innerbody.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.innerbody.com/image/repfov.html \|title=Female Reproductive System – Anatomy Pictures and Information \|publisher=Innerbody.com \|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> In a sexually unstimulated state, the labia minora protects the vaginal and urethral opening by covering them.<ref>''Human Reproductive Biology'' by Mark M. Jones (2012), p. 63.</ref> At the base of the labia minora are the [[Bartholin's glands]], which add a few drops of an alkaline fluid to the vagina via ducts; this fluid helps to counteract the acidity of the outer vagina since sperm cannot live in an acidic environment.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	The clitoris is developed from the same embryonic tissue as the penis; it or its [[Clitoral glans\|glans]] alone consists of as many (or more in some cases) nerve endings as the human penis or glans penis, making it extremely sensitive to touch.<ref name="Francoeur">{{cite book \|last=Francoeur \|first=Robert T. \|year=2000 \|title=The Complete Dictionary of Sexology \|publisher=The Continuum Publishing Company \|page=[https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 180] \|isbn=978-0-8264-0672-9 \|url=https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 }}</ref><ref name="Carroll">{{cite book \| title =Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity \| publisher = [[Cengage Learning]] \| year = 2009 \| page = 118 \| access-date =23 June 2012 \| url = {{Google books \|plainurl=yes \|id=5f8mQx7ULs4C \|}} \|isbn =978-0-495-60274-3 \| first = Janell L. \| last = Carroll}}</ref><ref name="Can't feel">{{cite web \| title = I'm a woman who cannot feel pleasurable sensations during intercourse \| publisher = [[Go Ask Alice!]] \| date = 8 October 2004\| access-date = 13 September 2012\|url=http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/im-woman-who-cannot-feel-pleasurable-sensations-during-intercourse \|archive-date= 7 January 2011\|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110107184029/http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3229.html}}</ref> The clitoral glans, which is a small, elongated erectile structure, has only one known function—sexual sensations. It is the female's most sensitive [[erogenous zone]] and the main source of orgasm in women.<ref name="Clitoris">{{cite web\|title=I Want a Better Orgasm!\|website=[[WebMD]]\|access-date=18 August 2011\|url=http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113132443/http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref name="Flaherty">{{cite book\|first1=Joseph A.\|last1=Flaherty\|first2=John Marcell\|last2=Davis\|first3=Philip G.\|last3=Janicak\|title=Psychiatry: Diagnosis & therapy. A Lange clinical manual\|isbn=978-0-8385-1267-8\|publisher=Appleton & Lange (Original from Northwestern University)\|year=1993\|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217 217]\|url=https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217\|quote=The amount of time of sexual arousal needed to reach orgasm is variable—and usually much longer—in women than in men; thus, only 20–30% of women attain a coital climax. b. Many women (70–80%) require manual clitoral stimulation...}}</ref><ref name="Kenneth Mah">{{cite journal \| first1 = Kenneth \| last1 = Mah \| first2 = Yitzchak M \| last2 = Binik \| title = The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends \| journal = [[Clinical Psychology Review]] \| volume = 21 \| issue = 6 \| pages = 823–856 \|date=7 January 2001 \| pmid = 11497209\| doi = 10.1016/S0272-7358(00)00069-6 \| quote=Women rated clitoral stimulation as at least somewhat more important than vaginal stimulation in achieving orgasm; only about 20% indicated that they did not require additional clitoral stimulation during intercourse.}}</ref><ref name="Kammerer-Doak">{{cite journal \| first1 = Dorothy \| last1 = Kammerer-Doak \| first2 = Rebecca G. \| last2 = Rogers \| title = Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction \| journal = Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America \| volume = 35 \| issue = 2 \| pages = 169–183 \|date=June 2008 \| pmid = 18486835 \| doi = 10.1016/j.ogc.2008.03.006 \| quote=Most women report the inability to achieve orgasm with vaginal intercourse and require direct clitoral stimulation ... About 20% have coital climaxes...}}</ref> Thick secretions called [[smegma]] collect around the clitoris.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The clitoris is developed from the same embryonic tissue as the penis; it or its [[Clitoral glans\|glans]] alone consists of as many (or more in some cases) nerve endings as the human penis or glans penis, making it extremely sensitive to touch.<ref name="Francoeur">{{cite book \|last=Francoeur \|first=Robert T. \|year=2000 \|title=The Complete Dictionary of Sexology \|publisher=The Continuum Publishing Company \|page=[https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 180] \|isbn=978-0-8264-0672-9 \|url=https://archive.org/details/completedictiona0000unse_w1u0/page/180 }}</ref><ref name="Carroll">{{cite book \| title =Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity \| publisher = [[Cengage Learning]] \| year = 2009 \| page = 118 \| access-date =23 June 2012 \| url = {{Google books \|plainurl=yes \|id=5f8mQx7ULs4C \|}} \|isbn =978-0-495-60274-3 \| first = Janell L. \| last = Carroll}}</ref><ref name="Can't feel">{{cite web \| title = I'm a woman who cannot feel pleasurable sensations during intercourse \| publisher = [[Go Ask Alice!]] \| date = 8 October 2004\| access-date = 13 September 2012\|url=http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/im-woman-who-cannot-feel-pleasurable-sensations-during-intercourse \|archive-date= 7 January 2011\|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110107184029/http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3229.html}}</ref> The clitoral glans, which is a small, elongated erectile structure, has only one known function—sexual sensations. It is the female's most sensitive [[erogenous zone]] and the [[Portal:Main\|main]] source of orgasm in women.<ref name="Clitoris">{{cite web\|title=I Want a Better Orgasm!\|website=[[WebMD]]\|access-date=18 August 2011\|url=http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113132443/http://www.webmd.com/sex/want-better-orgasms\|archive-date=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref name="Flaherty">{{cite book\|first1=Joseph A.\|last1=Flaherty\|first2=John Marcell\|last2=Davis\|first3=Philip G.\|last3=Janicak\|title=Psychiatry: Diagnosis & therapy. A Lange clinical manual\|isbn=978-0-8385-1267-8\|publisher=Appleton & Lange (Original from Northwestern University)\|year=1993\|page=[https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217 217]\|url=https://archive.org/details/psychiatrydiagno00flah/page/217\|quote=The amount of time of sexual arousal needed to reach orgasm is variable—and usually much longer—in women than in men; thus, only 20–30% of women attain a coital climax. b. Many women (70–80%) require manual clitoral stimulation...}}</ref><ref name="Kenneth Mah">{{cite journal \| first1 = Kenneth \| last1 = Mah \| first2 = Yitzchak M \| last2 = Binik \| title = The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends \| journal = [[Clinical Psychology Review]] \| volume = 21 \| issue = 6 \| pages = 823–856 \|date=7 January 2001 \| pmid = 11497209\| doi = 10.1016/S0272-7358(00)00069-6 \| quote=Women rated clitoral stimulation as at least somewhat more important than vaginal stimulation in achieving orgasm; only about 20% indicated that they did not require additional clitoral stimulation during intercourse.}}</ref><ref name="Kammerer-Doak">{{cite journal \| first1 = Dorothy \| last1 = Kammerer-Doak \| first2 = Rebecca G. \| last2 = Rogers \| title = Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction \| journal = Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America \| volume = 35 \| issue = 2 \| pages = 169–183 \|date=June 2008 \| pmid = 18486835 \| doi = 10.1016/j.ogc.2008.03.006 \| quote=Most women report the inability to achieve orgasm with vaginal intercourse and require direct clitoral stimulation ... About 20% have coital climaxes...}}</ref> Thick secretions called [[smegma]] collect around the clitoris.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}

	The vaginal opening and the urethral opening are only visible when the labia minora are parted. These openings have many nerve endings that make them sensitive to touch. They are surrounded by a ring of sphincter muscles called the [[bulbocavernosus muscle]]. Underneath this muscle and on opposite sides of the vaginal opening are the vestibular bulbs, which help the vagina grip the penis by swelling with blood during arousal. Within the vaginal opening is the [[hymen]], a thin membrane that partially covers the opening in many [[Virginity\|virgins]]. Rupture of the hymen has been historically considered the loss of one's virginity, though, by modern standards, loss of virginity is considered to be the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can be ruptured by activities other than sexual intercourse. The urethral opening connects to the bladder with the urethra; it expels urine from the bladder. This is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}		The vaginal opening and the urethral opening are only visible when the labia minora are parted. These openings have many nerve endings that make them sensitive to touch. They are surrounded by a ring of sphincter muscles called the [[bulbocavernosus muscle]]. Underneath this muscle and on opposite sides of the vaginal opening are the vestibular bulbs, which help the vagina grip the penis by swelling with blood during arousal. Within the vaginal opening is the [[hymen]], a thin membrane that partially covers the opening in many [[Virginity\|virgins]]. Rupture of the hymen has been historically considered the loss of one's virginity, though, by modern standards, loss of virginity is considered to be the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can be ruptured by activities other than sexual intercourse. The urethral opening connects to the bladder with the urethra; it expels urine from the bladder. This is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>{{page needed\|date=February 2016}}