Chapter 6: Sexual Arousal and Response

Question 1

Cerebral cortex

Answer 1

The outer layer of the brain’s cerebrum that controls higher mental processes.

Question 2

Limbic system

Answer 2

A subcortical brain system composed of several interrelated structures that influences the sexual behavior of humans and other animals.

Question 3

Dopamine

Answer 3

A neurotransmitter that facilitates sexual arousal and activity.

Question 4

Erogenous zones

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Primary erogenous zones

Answer 5

Areas of the body that contain dense concentrations of nerve endings.

Question 6

Secondary erogenous zones

Answer 6

Areas of the body that have become erotically sensitive through learning and experience.

Question 7

Pheromones

Answer 7

Certain odors produced by the body that relate to reproductive functions.

Question 8

Aphrodisiac

Answer 8

A substance that allegedly arouses sexual desire and increases the capacity for sexual activity.

Question 9

Anaphrodisiac

Answer 9

A substance that inhibits sexual desire and behavior.

Question 10

Steroid hormones

Answer 10

The sex hormones and the hormones of the adrenal cortex.

Question 11

Neuropeptide hormones

Answer 11

Chemicals produced in the brain that influence sexuality and other behavioral functions

Question 12

Oxytocin

Answer 12

A neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that influences sexual response and interpersonal attraction.

Question 13

Castration

Answer 13

Surgical removal of the testes.

Question 14

Orchidectomy

Answer 14

The surgical procedure for removing the testes.

Question 15

Hypogonadism

Answer 15

Impaired hormone production in the testes that results in testosterone deficiency.

Question 16

Vasocongestion

Answer 16

The engorgement of blood vessels in particular body parts in response to sexual arousal.

Question 17

Myotonia

Answer 17

Muscle tension.

Question 18

Excitement phase

Answer 18

Masters and Johnson’s term for the first phase of the sexual response cycle, in which engorgement of the sexual organs and increases in muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure occur. Ranges in length from seconds to hours.

Question 19

Sex flush

Answer 19

A pink or red rash that can appear on the chest or breasts during sexual arousal.

Question 20

Plateau phase

Answer 20

Masters and Johnson’s term for the second phase of the sexual response cycle, in which muscle tension, heart rate, blood pressure, and vasocongestion increase. Ranges in length from seconds to minutes.

Question 21

Orgasm

Answer 21

A series of muscular contractions of the pelvic floor muscles occurring at the peak of sexual arousal. Typically lasts a few seconds.

Question 22

Resolution phase

Answer 22

The fourth phase of the sexual response cycle, as outlined by Masters and Johnson, in which the sexual systems return to their nonexcited state.

Question 23

Refractory period

Answer 23

The period of time following orgasm in the male, during which he cannot experience another orgasm. Ranges in length from minutes to days.

Question 24

Multiple orgasms

Answer 24

More than one orgasm experienced within a short time period.