Chapter 8: Sexual Arousal Flashcards
Vasocongestion
An accumulation of blood in the blood vessels of a region of the body, especially the genitals; a swelling or erection results.
Myotonia
Muscle contraction.
Excitement
The first stage of sexual response, during which erection and vaginal lubrication occur.
Orgasmic Platform
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.
Orgasm
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.
Resolution
The third stage of sexual response, in which the body returns to the unaroused state.
Refractory Period
The period following orgasm during which a male cannot be sexual aroused.
Clitoral Orgasm
Freud’s term for orgasm in females resulting from stimulation of the clitoris.
Vaginal Orgasm
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.
Multiple Orgasm
A series of orgasms occurring within a short period of time.
Triphasic Model
Kaplan’s model of sexual response in which there are three components: vasocongestion, muscular contractions, and sexual desire.
Dual Control Model
A model that holds that sexual response is controlled both by sexual excitation and by sexual inhibition.
Retrograde Ejaculation
A condition in which orgasm in the male is not accompanied by an external ejaculation; instead, the ejaculate goes into the urinary bladder.
Grafenberg Spot (G-Spot)
A small region on the front wall of the vagina, emptying into the urethra, and responsible for female ejaculation.
Limbic System
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.
Organizing Effects of Hormones
Effects of sex hormones early in development, resulting in a permanent change in the brain or reproductive system.
Activating Effects of Hormones
Effects of sex hormones in adulthood, resulting in the activation of behaviors, especially sexual beahivors adn aggressive behaviors.
Pheromones
Biochemicals secreted outside the body that are important in communication between animals and that may serve as sex attractants.
Menstrual Synchrony
The convergence, over several months, of the dates of onset of menstrual periods among women who are in close contact with each other.
Erogenous Zoens
Areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation.
Autoeroticism
Sexual self-simulation; for example, masturbation.
Masturbation
Stimulation of one’s own genitals with the hand or with some object, such as a pillow or vibrator.
Sexual Fantasy
Sexual thoughts or images that alter the person’s emotions or physiological state.
Dildo
A rubber or plastic cylinder, often shaped like a penis.
Coitus
Sexual intercourse; insertion of the penis into the vagina.
Cunnilingus
Mouth stimulation of the vulva
Fellatio
Mouth stimulation of the penis.
Sixty-nining
Simultaneous mouth-genital stimulation; also called saixante-neuf.
Anal Intercourse
Insertion of the penis into the partner’s rectum.
Anilingus
Mouth stimulation of the partner’s anus.
Interfemoral Intercourse
A sexual technique used by gay men in which one man moves his penis between the thigs of the other.
Tribadism
A sexual technique used by lesbians in which one woman lies on top of another and moves rhythmically in order to produce sexual pleasure, particulary clitoral stimulation.
Aphrodisiac
A substance that increases sexual desire.
