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 sexually 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

Gräfenberg spot or 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 behaviors and 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

Sexual fantasy

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Dildo

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Coitus

Answer 21

Sexual intercourse; insertion of the penis into the vagina.

Question 22

Cunnilingus

Answer 22

Moth stimulation of the vulva.

Question 23

Fellatio

Answer 23

Mouth stimulation of the penis.

Question 24

Sixty-nining

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Anal intercourse

Answer 25

Insertion of the penis into the partner’s rectum.

Question 26

Anilingus

Answer 26

Mouth stimulation of the partner’s anus.

Question 27

Interfemoral intercourse

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Tribadism

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Aphrodisiac

Answer 29

A substance that increases sexual desire.