GROUP 1:

MODULE PART 2: UNPACKING THE SELF

Unit 1: PHYSICAL SELF: THE BEAUTIFUL ME

From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic makeup, i. e, sex chromosomes. It also
influences the way we treat ourselves and others. On the contrary, there are individuals who DO NOT
ACCEPT their INNATE SEXUAL characteristics and they actually tend to change their sexual organs
through medications and surgery. In addition, external environment helps shapes us. In this lesson, we are
going to explore the development of our sexual characteristics and behavior.
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
1. Determine the condition of your physical self
2. Classify the physiological needs of the self in each stage of life
3. Identify the forces and institutions that impact the development of the various aspects of identity
and the self
4. Explain the importance of a good health

LESSON PROPER
Marieb, E.N. (2001) explains that the gonads begin to form until about the eight weeks of
embryonic development. The embryonic structures of males and females during the early stages of human
development are alike and are said to be in indifferent stage. When the reproductive structures are formed
development of the accessory structures and external genitalia begins. [See the miracles of life - video
clip]
Beginning of life
Life begins at fertilization. It refers to the meeting of the female sex cell and the male sex cell.
These sex cells are developed in the reproductive organs called GONADS. The male sex cell called
spermatozoa [sing. –zoon] are produced in the male gonads called testes. On the other hand, the female
sex cells called ova are produced in the female gonads known ovaries. The fertilized egg cell known as
zygote contains all the hereditary potentials from the parents. This zygote goes to the uterus and continues
to grow during the gestation period of about 280 days or 36 weeks or 9 calendar months.
Both male and female chromosomes contain several thousands of genes – called
deoxyribonucleic acid which is the code of heredity. Maturation is the unfolding of the inherent traits.
Human Development
The formation of male or female structures depends on the presence of testosterone (A substance
called hormone that occurs naturally in men and male animals). The embryonic testes release testosterone
once formed and the formation of the duct system and external genitalia follows. The same with female
embryos that form ovaries, it will cause the development of the female ducts and external genitalia since
testosterone hormone is not produce.
Pseudo hermaphrodites are formed who is an individual having accessory reproductive structures
that do not “match” their gonads while true Hermaphrodites are individuals who possess both ovarian and
testicular tissues but this condition is rare in nature. Nowadays, many pseudo hermaphrodites undergo sex
change operation to have their outer selves fit with their inner serves (gonads).
Human anatomy
Puberty is the period of life when the reproductive organs grow to their adult size and become
functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones [testosterone in male and estrogen in
female] and generally between the age of 10-15 years old.
At the age of 13, male puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of the reproductive
organs followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary and face. The reproductive organs
continue to grow for two years until sexual maturation marked by the presence of mature semen in the
testes.
For the female, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 as a sign of their
puberty stage. Menarche is the first menstrual period of females which happens two years after the start of
puberty. Hormones play an important role in the regulation of ovulation and fertility of females.
Factors in development of the physical self
The development of the individual is caused by two interacting forces: heredity and environment.
Heredity [nature] is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring it provides the raw materials of
which the individual is made up. While the environment [nurture] is the sum total of the forces or
experiences that a person undergoes from conception to old age. It includes family, friends, school,
nutrition and other agencies one is in contact with.

Diseases associated with the reproductive systems

Infections are the most common problems associated with the reproductive system in adults.
Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women and those whose resistance to
diseases is low, like, Escherichia coli which spread through the digestive tract, the sexually transmitted
microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes virus and yeast fungus.
Pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility are also the effect of vaginal infections. For males, the
most common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis, urethritis, and epididymitis, STD, Orchiditis.
Major treat to reproductive organs are Neoplasms, tumor of the breast and cervix cancers in adult
females and prostates cancer in adult males.
 Most women hit the highest point of their reproductive abilities in their late 20‟s, i.e. irregular
ovulation and shorter menstrual periods – menopausal period.
The production of estrogen may continue after menopause but the ovaries finally stop functioning
as endocrine organs. The reproductive organ and breast begin to atrophy or shrink if estrogen is no longer
released from the body. With this case, the vaginal becomes dry that causes intercourse to become painful
if frequent and the vaginal infections become increasingly common.
Signs of estrogen deficiency: irritability and mood changes [depression in some]; intense vasodilation of
the skin’s blood vessels, gradual thinning of skin and loss of bone mass, slowing rising high blood levels
etc..
Note: there is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging men show a steady decline in
testosterone section, their reproductive capability seems unending. Healthy men are still able to father
offspring well into their 80‟ and beyond.

Erogenous zones
It refers to part of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when touched
in a sexual manner. Examples: mouth, breast, genitals, anus. However, erogenous zones may vary from
one person to another. Some people may desire and enjoy being touched in certain area more than the
other area, like, neck, thighs, abdomen and feet.
Human Sexual Behavior
It defined as any activity – solitary, between two persons, or in a group – that induces/ brings
sexual arousal [Gebhard, P.H. 2017]. This behavior is classified according to gender and number of
participants.
Types of behavior: Solitary behavior [involving one individual]; and Socio-sexual behavior [more than
one individual]

Solitary behavior
Self – gratification [begins at or b4 puberty] means self –stimulation that leads to sexual arousal
and generally, sexual climax. This takes place in personal and private as an end in itself, but can also be
done in a socio-sexual relationship.
This is common for males but becomes less frequent or is abandoned when socio-sexual activity
is available.
Therefore, self-gratification is most frequent among the unmarried. However, this self-
gratification usually decreases as soon as an individual develop socio-sexual relationship.
Nowadays, humans are frequently being exposed to sexual stimuli esp. from advertising and
social media. Some adolescents become so much aggressive when they respond to such stimuli.
The rate of teenage pregnancy is recently increasing. The challenge is to develop self-control so
that to balance suppression and free expression. Why? To prevent premarital sex and acquire STD.
Socio-sexual behavior
It is the greatest amount of socio-sexual behavior that occurs b/w only one male and one female.
This usually begins in childhood and may be motivated by curiosity, such as showing or examining
genitalia.
Physical contact involving necking and petting is considered as an ingredient of the learning
process and eventually of courtship and selection of a marriage partner.
Petting differs from hugging, kissing and generalized caresses of the clothed body to produce
stimulation of the genitals. This is done due to affection as source of pleasure, preliminary to coitus [this
is an insertion of male reproductive organ into female organ]. This is regarded as an important aspect in
selecting partner but also a way of learning how to interact with another person sexually.
A behavior may be interpreted by society or individual as erotic depending on the context in
which the behavior occurs. Example, kissing as a gesture of intimacy b/w couples while other sees this as
respect and reverence.

Physiology of human sexual response

Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual activity is continued.
1. Excitement phase = it is caused by increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden rise in blood
supply to the surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing, and swelling
of all distensible body parts particularly noticeable in the male and female reproductive system,
rapid breathing, secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a general increase in muscle
tension.
2. Plateau phase = it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm usually
occurs.
3. Sexual climax = a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, and rapid increase in pulse rate and blood
pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of the female reproductive organ
and ejaculation by the male that last only for few seconds normally not over ten.
4. Resolution phase = it refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiological state. Whereas
males return to normal even if stimulation continues, but continued stimulations can produce
additional orgasms in females. Females are physically capable of repeated orgasms without the
intervening “rest period” required by males.