Chapter 6 Flashcards
Brain and Sexual Arousal
- Brain plays an important role in sexuality
- We do not all respond similarly to the same stimuli in sexual arousal
- Cultural influences play an important role
Sexuality and Diversity
- There are universal biological mechanisms for sexual arousal
- Particular sexual stimuli and behaviors that people find arousing are greatly influenced by cultural conditioning
Limbic System
Subcortical brain system composed of several interrelated structures that influences the sexual behavior of humans and other animals
Cerebral Cortex
Outer layer of the brain’s cerebrum that controls higher mental processes
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter that facilitates sexual arousal and activity
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter that inhibits sexual arousal and activity
Erogenous Zones
Areas of the body that are particularly responsive to sexual stimulation
Primary Erogenous Zones
Areas of the body that contain dense concentrations of nerve endings
- Genitals, buttocks, anus, perineum, breasts
- Does not always mean it produces sexual arousal
Secondary Erogenous Zones
Areas of the body that have become erotically sensitive through learning and experience
- Depends on the person and where they like to be touched
Pheromones
Certain odors produced by the body that relate to reproductive functions
Senses and Sexual Arousal
- touch
- vision
- smell
- taste
- hearing
Touch
- Some areas of your body are more sensitive than others
- Primary and secondary erogenous zones
Vision
- Males more aroused by visual stimuli than females
Smell
- All cultures are different in what odors and scents are upon them
- Pheromones by the body play a role in this
Taste
- A very minor role in sexual arousal
- Some people can detect and appreciate certain tastes
Hearing
- Some prefer sexually arousing words and noises while other prefer silence
- This can be helpful in direction during sexual intercourse
Aphrodisiac
Substance that allegedly arouses sexual desire and increases the capacity for sexual activity
Anaphrodisiac
Substance that exhibits sexual desire and behavior
Steroid Hormones
Sex hormones and the hormones of the adrenal cortex
Neuropeptide Hormones
Chemicals produced in the brain that influence sexuality and other behavioral functions
Oxytocin
Neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that influences sexual response and interpersonal attraction
Castration
Surgical removal of the testes
Orchidectomy
Surgical procedure for removing the testes
Hypogonadism
Impaired hormone production in the testes that results in testosterone deficiency
Kaplan’s Three Stage Model
Desire, Excitement, Orgasm
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Master and Johnson’s Four-Phase Model
Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, Resolution
- Problems: simplified, too literal interpretation of plateau stage, not to be used as a personal standard
Vasocongestion
Engorgement of blood vessels in particular body parts in response to sexual arousal
Myotonia
Muscle tension
Excitement Phase
First phase of the sexual response cycle. Engorgement of the sexual organs and increases in muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure occur
Sex Flush
Pink or red rash that can appear on the chest or breasts during sexual arousal
Plateau Phase
Second phase of the sexual response cycle. Muscle tension, heart rate, blood pressure, and vasocongestion pressure
Orgasm
Third phase of the sexual arousal cycle. Series of muscular contractions of pelvic floor muscles occurring at the peak of sexual arousal
Resolution Phase
Fourth phase of the sexual response cycle. Sexual systems return to their nonexcited state
Refractory Period
Period of time following orgasm in the male, during which he cannot experience another orgasm
Aging in the Sexual Response Cycle (Older Women)
- decreased vaginal lubrication
- decreased vagina flexibility
- more rapid resolution
Aging in the Sexual Response Cycle (Older Men)
- lengthened time to erection
- loss of ejaculatory inevitability
- more rapid resolution and longer
- refractory period (hours to days)
Differences Between Sexes
- greater variability in sexual response
- refractory periods
Multiple Orgasms
More than one orgasm experienced within a short time period
