Chapter 6

Question 1

Brain and Sexual Arousal

Answer 1

• 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

Question 1

Sexuality and Diversity

Answer 1

• There are universal biological mechanisms for sexual arousal
• Particular sexual stimuli and behaviors that people find arousing are greatly influenced by cultural conditioning

Question 2

Limbic System

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 3

Outer layer of the brain’s cerebrum that controls higher mental processes

Question 4

Dopamine

Answer 4

Neurotransmitter that facilitates sexual arousal and activity

Question 5

Serotonin

Answer 5

Neurotransmitter that inhibits sexual arousal and activity

Question 6

Erogenous Zones

Answer 6

Areas of the body that are particularly responsive to sexual stimulation

Question 7

Primary Erogenous Zones

Answer 7

Areas of the body that contain dense concentrations of nerve endings

• Genitals, buttocks, anus, perineum, breasts
• Does not always mean it produces sexual arousal

Question 8

Secondary Erogenous Zones

Answer 8

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

• Depends on the person and where they like to be touched

Question 9

Pheromones

Answer 9

Certain odors produced by the body that relate to reproductive functions

Question 10

Senses and Sexual Arousal

Answer 10

• touch
• vision
• smell
• taste
• hearing

Question 11

Touch

Answer 11

• Some areas of your body are more sensitive than others

- Primary and secondary erogenous zones

Question 12

Vision

Answer 12

• Males more aroused by visual stimuli than females

Question 13

Smell

Answer 13

• All cultures are different in what odors and scents are upon them
• Pheromones by the body play a role in this

Question 14

Taste

Answer 14

• A very minor role in sexual arousal

- Some people can detect and appreciate certain tastes

Question 15

Hearing

Answer 15

• Some prefer sexually arousing words and noises while other prefer silence
• This can be helpful in direction during sexual intercourse

Question 16

Aphrodisiac

Answer 16

Substance that allegedly arouses sexual desire and increases the capacity for sexual activity

Question 17

Anaphrodisiac

Answer 17

Substance that exhibits sexual desire and behavior

Question 18

Steroid Hormones

Answer 18

Sex hormones and the hormones of the adrenal cortex

Question 19

Neuropeptide Hormones

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Oxytocin

Answer 20

Neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that influences sexual response and interpersonal attraction

Question 21

Castration

Answer 21

Surgical removal of the testes

Question 22

Orchidectomy

Answer 22

Surgical procedure for removing the testes

Question 23

Hypogonadism

Answer 23

Impaired hormone production in the testes that results in testosterone deficiency

Question 24

Kaplan's Three Stage Model

Answer 24

Desire, Excitement, Orgasm ____ ____ | ____ |

Question 25

Master and Johnson's Four-Phase Model

Answer 25

Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, Resolution | - Problems: simplified, too literal interpretation of plateau stage, not to be used as a personal standard

Question 26

Vasocongestion

Answer 26

Engorgement of blood vessels in particular body parts in response to sexual arousal

Question 27

Myotonia

Answer 27

Muscle tension

Question 28

Excitement Phase

Answer 28

First phase of the sexual response cycle. Engorgement of the sexual organs and increases in muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure occur

Question 29

Sex Flush

Answer 29

Pink or red rash that can appear on the chest or breasts during sexual arousal

Question 30

Plateau Phase

Answer 30

Second phase of the sexual response cycle. Muscle tension, heart rate, blood pressure, and vasocongestion pressure

Question 31

Orgasm

Answer 31

Third phase of the sexual arousal cycle. Series of muscular contractions of pelvic floor muscles occurring at the peak of sexual arousal

Question 32

Resolution Phase

Answer 32

Fourth phase of the sexual response cycle. Sexual systems return to their nonexcited state

Question 33

Refractory Period

Answer 33

Period of time following orgasm in the male, during which he cannot experience another orgasm

Question 34

Aging in the Sexual Response Cycle (Older Women)

Answer 34

- decreased vaginal lubrication - decreased vagina flexibility - more rapid resolution

Question 35

Aging in the Sexual Response Cycle (Older Men)

Answer 35

- lengthened time to erection - loss of ejaculatory inevitability - more rapid resolution and longer - refractory period (hours to days)

Question 36

Differences Between Sexes

Answer 36

- greater variability in sexual response | - refractory periods

Question 37

Multiple Orgasms

Answer 37

More than one orgasm experienced within a short time period