Chapter 4: Sexual Arousal and Response Flashcards
Masters and Johnson (1966) found that the physiological responses of males and females to sexual stimulation (via intercourse, masturbation, or other sources) are
Quite alike
Sexual response cycle
The sequence of changes in the body that take place as males and females become progressively more aroused
Masters and Johnson’s (1966) four phases of the sexual response cycle consist of
excitement,
plateau,
orgasm,
resolution.
Both males and females experience ______ and _____ early in the response cycle.
vasocongestion and myotonia
Vasocongestion
is swelling of the genital tissues with blood, which causes erection of the penis and engorgement of the area surrounding the vaginal opening. The testes, nipples, and even earlobes become engorged as blood vessels in these areas dilate.
Myotonia
is muscle tension. It causes voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions, which produce facial grimaces, spasms in the hands and feet, and eventually, the spasms of orgasm.
Excitement face
First phase of the sexual response cycle, characterized by erection in the male, vaginal lubrication in the female, and muscle tension and increased heart rate in both men and women
In younger males, vasocongestion during the excitement phase produces penile erection as early as ________ after stimulation begins.
3-8 seconds
In females, vaginal lubrication may start ___________seconds after stimulation begins.
10-30 seconds
Vasocongestion swells the clitoris, flattens and spreads the labia majora apart, and increases the size of the labia minora.
The inner two thirds of the vagina expands. The vaginal walls thicken and, because of the inflow of blood, turn from their normal pink to a deeper hue.
The uterus becomes engorged and elevated. The breasts enlarge, and blood vessels near the surface become more prominent.
Kinky
Sex flush
A reddish rash that appears on the chest or breasts late in the excitement phase
The gender of the actor was far more important for men than for women
whereas level of sexual activity was more important for women than for men.
Plateau phase
The second phase of the sexual response cycle, characterized by increased vasocongestion, muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure, in the preparation of orgasm
Orgasmic platform
Thickening on the walls of the outer one third of the vagina (due to vasocongestion) during the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle
Sex skin
The reddened skin of the labia minora during the plateau phase
About one male in four—and about three females in four—shows a sex flush, which often appears in the ____
plateau phase.
Myotonia may cause facial grimaces and spasmodic contractions in the hands and feet. Breathing becomes rapid, similar to panting, and the heart rate may increase to _______ Blood pressure continues to rise. The increase in heart rate is usually less dramatic with masturbation than during partnered sexual activity.
100-160 BPM
The orgasmic phase in the male consists of two stages of muscular contraction.
In the first stage, contractions of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct, and prostate gland cause seminal fluid to collect in the urethral bulb at the base of the penisIn the first stage, contractions of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct, and prostate gland cause seminal fluid to collect in the urethral bulb at the base of the penis
In the second stage, the external sphincter of the bladder relaxes, allowing the passage of semen.
Contractions of muscles surrounding the urethra, the urethral bulb, and the base of the penis propel the ejaculate through the urethra and out of the body.
Male orgasm
The first three to four contractions are generally most intense, occurring at 0.8-second intervals (five contractions every four seconds). Another two to four contractions occur at a somewhat slower pace. Rates and patterns vary somewhat from man to man.
Female orgasm
Orgasm in the female is manifested by 3 to 15 contractions of the pelvic muscles that surround the vaginal barrel. The contractions first occur at 0.8-second intervals, producing, as in the male, a release of sexual tension. Another three to six weaker, slower contractions follow.
Male and female orgasm
In both genders, muscles throughout the body go into spasm. Blood pressure and heart rate peak, with the heart beating up to 180 times per minute. Respiration may increase to 40 breaths per minute.
Sexual concordance
refers to the degree to which actual genital response and self-reported sexual arousal correspond with each other.
resolution phase
The fourth phase of the sexual response cycle, during which the body gradually returns to its pre-aroused state (post orgasm)
Following ejaculation, the man loses his erection in two stages:
The first occurs within about a minute: The erection loses half of its volume as blood from the corpora cavernosa empties into other parts of the body.
The second stage occurs over several minutes: The remaining tumescence subsides as the corpus spongiosum empties, the testes and scrotum return to normal size, and the scrotum regains its wrinkled appearance.