Effective public health programs, research, and policy relating
to human sexuality, pregnancy, contraception, and the
transmission of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV)
depends upon knowledge of the structure (anatomy) and function
(physiology) of the male and female reproductive systems. Human
beings are sexual throughout life. Sexuality encompasses more
than sexual behavior - it is not only the physical, but the
mental and spiritual as well. Sexuality is a core component of
personality and a fundamental part of human life. While the
problems usually associated with sexual behavior are real and
need to be addressed, human sexuality also has significant
meaning and value in each individual's life. Reproductive
physical maturity and the capacity for human reproduction begin
during puberty, a period of rapid growth and change experienced
by both males and females. Puberty is not an isolated event, but
a process which takes place over several years. During puberty,
the hypothalamus (a gland located