Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Useful Background for the Study of STDs

This SparkNote contains numerous references to human reproductive anatomy, as well as to specific physical symptoms that require some familiarity with male and female anatomy. While most of these terms will be cross-referenced within the SparkNote, it would be useful to have on hand either diagrams of the male and female reproductive anatomy, as well as a list of the functions of each body part.

In addition, most of the STD study topics contain some information about the microbiology of the organism being discussed. If you have taken biology, this will test your familiarity with basic concepts. If you have never taken biology, you will find definitions of most of the terms, but these definitions will not provide adequate understanding of how an organism functions.