Chapter 8: Sexual Arousal

Question 1

an accumulation of blood in the blood vessels of a region of the body, especially the genitals; a swelling or erection results

Answer 1

vasocongestion

Question 2

muscle contraction

Answer 2

myotonia

Question 3

the first stage of sexual response, during which erection in the male and lubrication in the female occur

Answer 3

excitement

Question 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

Answer 4

orgasmic platform

Question 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

Answer 5

orgasm

Question 6

the third stage of sexual response, in which the body returns to the unaroused state

Answer 6

resolution

Question 7

the period following orgasm during which the male cannot be sexually aroused

Answer 7

refractory period

Question 8

Freud’s term for orgasm in females resulting from stimulation of the clitoris

Answer 8

clitoral orgasm

Question 9

Freud’s term for orgasm in females resulting from stimulation of the vagina in heterosexual intercourse; Freud considered this to be more mature

Answer 9

vaginal orgasm

Question 10

a series of orgasms occurring within a short period of time

Answer 10

multiple orgasm

Question 11

Kaplan’s model of sexual response in which there are three components: vasocongestion, muscular contractions, and sexual desire

Answer 11

triphasic model

Question 12

a model that holds that sexual response is controlled both by sexual excitation and by sexual inhibition

Answer 12

dual control model

Question 13

a condition in which orgasm in the male is not accompanied by an external ejaculation; instead, the ejaculate goes into the urinary bladder

Answer 13

retrograde ejaculation

Question 14

a small region on the front wall of the vagina, emptying into the urethra, and responsible for female ejaculation

Answer 14

Grafenberg spot (g-spot)

Question 15

a set of structures in the interior of the brain, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and the fornix; believed to be important for sexual behavior in both animals and humans

Answer 15

limbic system

Question 16

effects of sex hormones early in development, resulting in a permanent change in the brain or reproductive system

Answer 16

organizing effects of hormones

Question 17

effects of sex hormones in adulthood, resulting in the activation of behaviors, especially sexual behaviors and aggressive behaviors

Answer 17

activating effects of hormones

Question 18

biochemicals secreted outside the body that are important in communication between animals and that may serve as sex attractants

Answer 18

pheromones

Question 19

the convergence, over several months, of the dates of onset of menstrual periods among women who are in close contact with each other

Answer 19

menstrual synchrony

Question 20

areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation

Answer 20

erogenous zones

Question 21

sexual self-stimulation; ex. masturbation

Answer 21

autoeroticism

Question 22

stimulation of one’s own genitals with the hand or with some object, such as a pillow or vibrator

Answer 22

masturbation

Question 23

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

Answer 23

sexual fantasy

Question 24

a rubber or plastic cylinder, often shaped like a penis

Answer 24

dildo

Question 25

sexual intercourse; insertion of the penis into the vagina

Answer 25

coitus

Question 26

mouth stimulation of the female genitals

Answer 26

cunnilingus

Question 27

mouth stimulation of the male genitals

Answer 27

fellatio

Question 28

simultaneous mouth-genital stimulation; also called soixante-neuf

Answer 28

sisty-nining

Question 29

insertion of the penis into the partner’s rectum

Answer 29

anal intercourse

Question 30

mouth stimulation of the partner’s anus

Answer 30

anilingus

Question 31

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

Answer 31

interfemoral intercourse

Question 32

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

Answer 32

tribadism

Question 33

substance that increases sexual desire

Answer 33

aphrodisiac

Question 34

a substance that decreases sexual desire

Answer 34

anaphrodisiac