What are my private body parts?

Private parts are those parts in the body, which are covered with appropriate clothing and not displayed in public places. They are also referred to as personal or intimate parts. Due to various cultural reasons, revealing these body parts in a public manner is not considered appropriate, as a matter of decency, decorum and custom. It should be noted that these are called private parts not only because others can harm them, but also because they are more prone to infections and hence should be protected appropriately.

For boys, the private body parts are the buttocks, anus and penis and for girls, they are the breasts, buttocks, anus and vagina. For boys, the penis acts as a medium to release the urine stored in the body, whereas for the girls, the vagina acts a medium to release the urine stored in the body.

In both boys and girls, the anus is the opening in the back through which the solid waste from the body referred to as excreta is released from the body. This entire process is called defecation. Finally, the buttocks are the fatty tissues that are meant to protect the anus and penis or vagina. In medical terms, the buttocks are used to store the excess fat (subcutaneous fat) of the body, thereby able to remove the additional weight in the feet. Usually girls tend to have wide buttocks, due to the extra fat and wide hips.

See Also: Who can touch my private parts and why is it not OK to let other touch my private parts?

It can be noticed that the parents usually call these private parts using pet names, instead of using their actual names. Though it can sound too clinical, it is necessary to know and address the private parts with their actual name. It is strongly believed that the kids who know and use these terms are one step ahead in protecting themselves against harm done to them. When the actual names are not used, the kids might feel awkward and embarrassed to answer any question related to it. Especially, during instances of sexual abuse, knowing the actual names will help in understanding the condition better. Certain research also shows that when the kids know the right terms for their body parts, it can enhance their own body image and self confidence.