Site MapHelpFeedbackGlossary
Glossary
(See related pages)


Vasocongestion (vay-so-con-JES-tyun)  An accumulation of blood in the blood vessels of a region of the body, especially the genitals; a swelling or erection results.
Myotonia (my-oh-TONE-ee-ah)  Muscle contraction.
Excitement  The first stage of sexual response, during which erection in the male and vaginal lubrication in the female occur.
Plateau  The second stage of sexual response, just before orgasm.
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 plateau stage of sexual response.
Orgasm  The third 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 fourth stage of sexual response, in which the body returns to the unaroused state.
Refractory period (ree-FRAK-toh-ree)  The period following orgasm during which the male cannot be sexually aroused.
Clitoral orgasm  Freud's term for orgasm in the female resulting from stimulation of the clitoris.
Vaginal orgasm  Freud's term for orgasm in the female 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 phases: vasocongestion, muscular contractions, and sexual desire.
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.
Gräfenberg spot (GRAY-fen-berg) or G-spot  A hypothesized 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 behaviors and aggressive behaviors.
Pheromones (FARE-oh-mones)  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.







Understanding Human SexualityOnline Learning Center

Home > Chapter 9 > Glossary