Chapter 8: Sexual Arousal Flashcards
(34 cards)
an accumulation of blood in the blood vessels of a region of the body, especially the genitals; a swelling or erection results
vasocongestion
muscle contraction
myotonia
the first stage of sexual response, during which erection in the male and lubrication in the female occur
excitement
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
orgasmic platform
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
orgasm
the third stage of sexual response, in which the body returns to the unaroused state
resolution
the period following orgasm during which the male cannot be sexually aroused
refractory period
Freud’s term for orgasm in females resulting from stimulation of the clitoris
clitoral orgasm
Freud’s term for orgasm in females resulting from stimulation of the vagina in heterosexual intercourse; Freud considered this to be more mature
vaginal orgasm
a series of orgasms occurring within a short period of time
multiple orgasm
Kaplan’s model of sexual response in which there are three components: vasocongestion, muscular contractions, and sexual desire
triphasic model
a model that holds that sexual response is controlled both by sexual excitation and by sexual inhibition
dual control model
a condition in which orgasm in the male is not accompanied by an external ejaculation; instead, the ejaculate goes into the urinary bladder
retrograde ejaculation
a small region on the front wall of the vagina, emptying into the urethra, and responsible for female ejaculation
Grafenberg spot (g-spot)
a set of structures in the interior of the brain, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and the fornix; believed to be important for sexual behavior in both animals and humans
limbic system
effects of sex hormones early in development, resulting in a permanent change in the brain or reproductive system
organizing effects of hormones
effects of sex hormones in adulthood, resulting in the activation of behaviors, especially sexual behaviors and aggressive behaviors
activating effects of hormones
biochemicals secreted outside the body that are important in communication between animals and that may serve as sex attractants
pheromones
the convergence, over several months, of the dates of onset of menstrual periods among women who are in close contact with each other
menstrual synchrony
areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation
erogenous zones
sexual self-stimulation; ex. masturbation
autoeroticism
stimulation of one’s own genitals with the hand or with some object, such as a pillow or vibrator
masturbation
sexual thoughts or images that alter the person’s emotions or physiological state
sexual fantasy
a rubber or plastic cylinder, often shaped like a penis
dildo
