Chapter 8: Sexual Arousal

Question 1

Vasocongestion

Answer 1

An accumulation of blood in the blood vessels of a region of the body, especially the genitals; a swelling or erection results.

Question 2

Myotonia

Answer 2

Muscle contraction.

Question 3

Excitement

Answer 3

The first stage of sexual response, during which erection and vaginal lubrication occur.

Question 4

Orgasmic Platform

Answer 4

A tightening of the entrance to the vagina caused by contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscle (which covers the vestibular bulbs) that occur during the excitement stage of sexual response.

Question 5

Orgasm

Answer 5

The second stage of sexual response; an intense sensation that occurs at the peak of sexual arousal and is followed by release of sexual tensions.

Question 6

Resolution

Answer 6

The third stage of sexual response, in which the body returns to the unaroused state.

Question 7

Refractory Period

Answer 7

The period following orgasm during which a male cannot be sexual aroused.

Question 8

Clitoral Orgasm

Answer 8

Freud’s term for orgasm in females resulting from stimulation of the clitoris.

Question 9

Vaginal Orgasm

Answer 9

Freud’s term for orgasm in females resulting from stimulation of the vagina in heterosexual intercourse; Freud considered vaginal orgasm to be more mature than clitoral orgasm.

Question 10

Multiple Orgasm

Answer 10

A series of orgasms occurring within a short period of time.

Question 11

Triphasic Model

Answer 11

Kaplan’s model of sexual response in which there are three components: vasocongestion, muscular contractions, and sexual desire.

Question 12

Dual Control Model

Answer 12

A model that holds that sexual response is controlled both by sexual excitation and by sexual inhibition.

Question 13

Retrograde Ejaculation

Answer 13

A condition in which orgasm in the male is not accompanied by an external ejaculation; instead, the ejaculate goes into the urinary bladder.

Question 14

Grafenberg Spot (G-Spot)

Answer 14

A small region on the front wall of the vagina, emptying into the urethra, and responsible for female ejaculation.

Question 15

Limbic System

Answer 15

A set of structures in the interior of the brain, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and fornix; believed to be important for sexual behavior in both animals and humans.

Question 16

Organizing Effects of Hormones

Answer 16

Effects of sex hormones early in development, resulting in a permanent change in the brain or reproductive system.

Question 17

Activating Effects of Hormones

Answer 17

Effects of sex hormones in adulthood, resulting in the activation of behaviors, especially sexual beahivors adn aggressive behaviors.

Question 18

Pheromones

Answer 18

Biochemicals secreted outside the body that are important in communication between animals and that may serve as sex attractants.

Question 19

Menstrual Synchrony

Answer 19

The convergence, over several months, of the dates of onset of menstrual periods among women who are in close contact with each other.

Question 20

Erogenous Zoens

Answer 20

Areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation.

Question 21

Autoeroticism

Answer 21

Sexual self-simulation; for example, masturbation.

Question 22

Masturbation

Answer 22

Stimulation of one’s own genitals with the hand or with some object, such as a pillow or vibrator.

Question 23

Sexual Fantasy

Answer 23

Sexual thoughts or images that alter the person’s emotions or physiological state.

Question 24

Dildo

Answer 24

A rubber or plastic cylinder, often shaped like a penis.

Question 25

Coitus

Answer 25

Sexual intercourse; insertion of the penis into the vagina.

Question 26

Cunnilingus

Answer 26

Mouth stimulation of the vulva

Question 27

Fellatio

Answer 27

Mouth stimulation of the penis.

Question 28

Sixty-nining

Answer 28

Simultaneous mouth-genital stimulation; also called saixante-neuf.

Question 29

Anal Intercourse

Answer 29

Insertion of the penis into the partner’s rectum.

Question 30

Anilingus

Answer 30

Mouth stimulation of the partner’s anus.

Question 31

Interfemoral Intercourse

Answer 31

A sexual technique used by gay men in which one man moves his penis between the thigs of the other.

Question 32

Tribadism

Answer 32

A sexual technique used by lesbians in which one woman lies on top of another and moves rhythmically in order to produce sexual pleasure, particulary clitoral stimulation.

Question 33

Aphrodisiac

Answer 33

A substance that increases sexual desire.