Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

External Female Genitals

External Female Genitals

The vulva encompasses the external structures of the female reproductive system. At the forefront is the monpubis, a cushion of fatty tissue atop the pubic bone. Once puberty sets in, this area typically grows hair. Extending from just behind the mons pubis are the labia majora (labia = 'lips'; majora = 'larger'), which are larger skin fs olds coated with hair. Nestled within are the labia minora (labia = 'lips'; minora = 'smaller'), which are thinner, more pigmented, and hairless. While the...

Penis

Penis

The penis serves a dual role in sexual reproduction and urination. It consists of three main regions: the glans penis, the body, and the root, each with distinct functions and unique anatomical features.
Anatomy of the Penis
The glans penis, or the head, is the terminal part of the penis and houses the external urethral orifice, the exit point for urine and semen. Covered by the prepuce, or foreskin, the glans is noted for its sensitivity and plays a key role in sexual pleasure. The body of the...

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital

The genital stage is the final phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, beginning at puberty, around age 12. During this stage, sexual energy shifts from self-focused interests to external individuals, marking the development of mature adult sexuality. Freud saw this phase as a time of sexual reawakening, with desires directed toward others outside the family. A healthy transition into this stage, according to Freud, signifies the emergence of two key aspects of adult...

Sex-linked Disorders

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.

Testes: Gross Anatomy

Testes: Gross Anatomy

The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Where am I? Where was I going? What was I doing? Memories that guide orb web construction.

Behavioural processes·2026

Same author

Genital behaviour in crane flies (Diptera: Tipuloidea): testing hypotheses for genital evolution.

Journal of evolutionary biology·2025

Same author

Stimulatory Functions of Male Genitalia in <i>Tipula</i> (<i>Triplicitipula</i>) <i>colei</i> Alexander and <i>Tipula</i> (<i>Lunatipula</i>) <i>translucida</i> Doane (Diptera: Tipulidae) and Implications for Theories of Genital Evolution.

Insects·2024

Same author

Genital courtship and female-active roles in mating: sexual selection by mate choice in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Journal of evolutionary biology·2024

Same author

Complex behavioral plasticity is not reduced in spiderlings with miniature brains.

PloS one·2021

Same author

Demonstrating sexual selection by cryptic female choice on male genitalia: What is enough?

Evolution; international journal of organic evolution·2019

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Published on: September 11, 2014

Experiments with genitalia: a commentary.

William G Eberhard¹

¹Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Escuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, Costa Rica. william.eberhard@gmail.com

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

|November 25, 2010

Summary

Recent studies on genitalia function have critical shortcomings. Future research should incorporate female stimulation, phylogenetic context, and male genital behavior for clearer hypotheses and results.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Reproductive Biology
Zoology

Background:

Numerous recent studies investigate the function of animal genitalia.
Many existing studies suffer from significant methodological and interpretational limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate current research on genitalia function.
To guide future studies by highlighting common shortcomings and suggesting improvements.
To emphasize underappreciated variables in genital evolution research.

Main Methods:

Critical review of existing literature on genitalia function.
Identification of recurring methodological flaws in published studies.
Proposal of specific variables and techniques for future research.

More Related Videos

Dissection of Pelvic Autonomic Ganglia and Associated Nerves in Male and Female Rats

Dissection of Pelvic Autonomic Ganglia and Associated Nerves in Male and Female Rats

Published on: March 7, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment

Published on: September 11, 2014

Dissection of Pelvic Autonomic Ganglia and Associated Nerves in Male and Female Rats

Dissection of Pelvic Autonomic Ganglia and Associated Nerves in Male and Female Rats

Published on: March 7, 2020

Main Results:

Current research on genitalia function often lacks rigorous hypothesis formulation.
Neglected variables such as female stimulation, phylogenetic context, and male genital behavior are crucial.
Existing methodologies may not adequately capture the complexity of genital function and evolution.

Conclusions:

Future studies on genitalia function require improved hypothesis testing and result interpretation.
Incorporating female-controlled factors and evolutionary history is essential for a comprehensive understanding.
Simple methodological adjustments can significantly enhance the quality and impact of future research in this field.