asexual

The first thing we are going to do is determine the etymological origin of the term asexual, in order to understand its meaning. In that case, we can say that it is a neologism that was shaped in the 19th century from the sum of several components of Greek and Latin origin:
-The prefix “a-”, which means “without”.
-The noun “sexus”, which can be translated as “sex”.
-The suffix “-alis”, which is used to indicate “belonging” or “quality”.

The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) mentions as the first meaning of the adjective asexual to one whose sex cannot be determined, is ambiguous or non-existent.

It is usually spoken of asexuality, in this framework, with reference to the individual who lacks sexual interest or what not attracted to different forms of sexuality. The subject who does not have a sexual inclination.

An asexual person does not experience sexual attraction or for mens nor for women. In this way, he generally does not have sexual relations, although he can access such practices for various reasons (when he wants to have a child or to satisfy another person, for example). Different is the case of the human being who does have sexual desire, but represses it for religious or faith reasons (like a Catholic priest who must respect the celibacy).

Among the general signs that indicate that a person is asexual are some like these:
-He shows no interest in sex or masturbation.
-She becomes nervous about the importance, interest and value that other individuals place on sex.
-You need a partner but at all times in that relationship, sex is secondary.
-She is very active in social relationships and cares a lot for her friends.

In addition, we must highlight another series of interesting aspects in this regard:
-It is considered that in the world there is around 5% of the population that is asexual.
-There are four different types of asexuality: people who feel what is romantic attraction for others but have no sexual desire; who are not attracted romantically or sexually; individuals who have a certain sexual appetite but do not feel that aforementioned romantic attraction; those that men or women who feel both romantic attraction and sexual desire.

Another meaning of asexual mentioned by the RAE is associated with the type of reproduction that is held without gametes participating (i.e., sex cells).

In the asexual reproduction, a single cell or a body fragment of a living being that is already developed is detached so that a process of mitosis and thus a new individual is generated, whose genetics will be identical to that of the first specimen.

It can be said that sexual reproduction takes place with the participation of a single parent. A example of this kind of reproduction is the fission carried out by certain cellular organisms: from a stem cell several daughter cells arise, which then also divide to produce more copies.