sex (redirected from Sex terms)

sex (seks)

1. a distinctive character of most animals and plants, based on the type of gametes produced by the gonads, ova (macrogametes) being typical of the female, and spermatozoa (microgametes) of the male, or the category in which the individual is placed on such basis.

2. see gender identity, under identity.

3. sexual intercourse.

4. to determine whether an organism is male or female.

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chromosomal sex , genetic sex sex as determined by the presence of the XX (female) or the XY (male) genotype in somatic cells, without regard to phenotypic manifestations.

gonadal sex  that part of the phenotypic sex that is determined by the gonadal tissue present (ovarian or testicular).

morphological sex  that part of the phenotypic sex that is determined by the morphology of the external genitals.

phenotypic sex  the phenotypic manifestations of sex determined by endocrine influences.

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sex (sks)

n.

1. The property or quality by which organisms are classified as female or male on the basis of their reproductive organs and functions.

2. Either of the two divisions, designated female and male, of this classification.

3. Females or males considered as a group.

4. The condition or character of being female or male; the physiological, functional, and psychological differences that distinguish the female and the male.

5. The sexual urge or instinct as it manifests itself in behavior.

6. Sexual intercourse.

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sex

Etymology: L, sexus, sex

1 a classification of male or female based on many criteria, among them anatomic and chromosomal characteristics. Compare gender.

2 coitus.

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sex,

n a classification of an individual as male or female on the basis of anatomic, functional, hormonal, and chromosomal characteristics.

sex, anatomic,

n (genotype), a classification of sex based on the sexual differentiation of the primary gonads.

sex, chromosomal,

n the chromosomal characteristics involving normally 44 somatic and 2 sex chromosomes, the latter designated as XX for the normal female and XY for the normal male. The presence of the Y chromosome is associated with a male phenotype and its absence with a phenotypic female.

sex chromosomes,

n the chromosomes responsible for sex classi-fication–XX for female, XY for male.

sex, functional (phenotype),

n the designation of sex based on the state of maturation and potential for use of the external genitalia.

sex, hormonal,

n a contributory assignment of sex on the basis of adequate levels of estrogen and androgen for the development of typical phenotypic secondary sex characteristics.

sex hormones,

n.pl See hormone(s), sex.

sex, legal,

n the sex assigned at birth or legally by a court of law.

sex, nuclear,

n the sex determination based on the presence or absence of the hyperchromatic nucleolar satellite in squamous cells from a buccal mucosa smear or of “drumsticks” in the polymorphonuclear neutrophil. Positives are normally seen in the female.

sex-linkage,

n See linkage, sex.

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sex

1. the fundamental distinction, found in most species of animals and plants, based on the type of gametes produced by the individual or the category to which the individual fits on the basis of that criterion. Ova, or macrogametes, are produced by the female, and spermatozoa, or microgametes, are produced by the male. The union of these distinctive germ cells results in the production of a new individual in sexual reproduction.

2. to determine the sex of an animal.

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sex cell

see germ cell, gamete.

sex chromatin

the persistent mass of chromatin situated at the periphery of the nucleus in cells of normal females; it is the material of the inactivated sex chromosome. Called also Barr body.

chromosomal sex

sex as determined by the presence of the XX (female) or the XY (male) genotype in somatic cells, without regard to phenotypic manifestations. Called also genetic sex.

sex chromosomes

see sex chromosomes.

sex determination

1. the change in the fetus to a male or female configuration; the process by which the sex of an organism is fixed, associated, in animals, with the presence or absence of the Y chromosome.

2. diagnosis of the sex of the fetus before birth performed by examination of fetal fluids obtained by amniocentesis.

sex determining region of Y

a single gene responsible for determining the sex of an animal.

sex drive

see libido.

endocrinological sex

the phenotypic manifestations of sex determined by endocrine influences, such as mammary development, etc.

genetic sex

chromosomal sex.

sex glands

in the male includes the prostate, seminal vesicles, ampullae and bulbourethral glands; in the female includes ovaries.

gonadal sex

the sex as determined on the basis of the gonadal tissue present (ovarian or testicular).

sex hormones

glandular secretions involved in the regulation of sexual functions. The principal sex hormone in the male is testosterone, produced by the testes. In the female the principal sex hormones are the estrogens and progesterone, produced by the ovaries.

These hormones influence the secondary sex characters, such as the shape and contour of the body and head, mammary development and the pitch of the voice. The male hormones stimulate production of spermatozoa, and the female hormones control ovulation, pregnancy and the estral cycle.

sex-linkage

includes X-linked (much the most common) and Y-linked loci.

sex-linked inheritance

see sex-linkage (above).

morphological sex

sex determined on the basis of the morphology of the external genitals.

neutrophil sex lobe

see drumstick lobe.

nuclear sex

the sex as determined on the basis of the presence or absence of sex chromatin in somatic cells, its presence normally indicating the XX (female) genotype, and its absence the XY (male) genotype.

sex parity

see sex ratio (below).

sex pheromone

see pheromone.

sex ratio

proportion of female to male births.

sex reversal

the sexual condition of animals in which gonadal sex and chromosomal sex are dissimilar.

sex steroids

steroidal compounds acting as hormones in reproductive processes; the principal ones are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone.

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sex

Sexology Personal and reproductive status as ♂, ♀, etc, generally based on external genitalia Vox populi Sexual activity, genital interaction. See Anonymous sex, Non-coital sex, Oral sex, Phone sex, Rough sex, Solitary sex.

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Patient discussion about Sex terms.

Q. Is it safe to have sex with my pregnant wife? My wife and I are 4 months pregnant and are expecting our first baby. Can we have sex? I am afraid it will harm the baby.

A. There is no problem to have sex during your pregnancy, unless the Doctor advised against it due to complications. It is even good to have sex and will make you both happier and calmer.

Q. Is there a 100 precent protection method against pregnancy? and no .. i don't mean not having sex .. it's not an option ... :) and against sex disease ?

A. I will say that there is no 100% guarantee -unless not having sex- so try these : ovulation-check, contraception, or for permanent effect (even some doctors believe this method can be reversible) you can try, vasectomy or tubectomy (which I'm not sure a young couple will do) hehehe..

Q. Does Viagra have any side effects? My boyfriend started taking Viagra and now he has headaches. Could this be caused by the Viagra?

A. Yes, headaches are a side effect of Viagra. Other common side effects are facial flushing, upset stomach and a temporary bluish vision. If this persists, he should consult his Doctor.