Human Sexuality - Exam 3

Cerebral Cortex

Plays a crucial role in human sexual fantasies and values.

Medial-Preoptic Area

A part of the hypothalamus directly involved in sexual arousal and response.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that may facilitate sexual arousal.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that may suppress sexual arousal.

Free Testosterone

Type of testosterone responsible for sexual arousal.

Bound Testosterone

Type of testosterone not involved in sexual arousal.

Primary Erogenous Zones

Erogenous zones that are innate, such as the groin, neck, and inner thighs.

Secondary Erogenous Zones

Erogenous zones that are learned through experience.

Oxytocin

A hormone that increases bonding and arousal through cuddling and intimacy.

Visual and Auditory Stimuli

Factors affecting sexual arousal; men and women show different responses in arousal studies.

Pheromones

Chemical signals found in women's urine (EST) and men's sweat (AND) that influence sexual attraction.

Aphrodisiacs

Substances that increase sexual desire.

Anaphrodisiacs

Substances that inhibit sexual desire or response.

Kaplan's Model

Includes desire as a component, unlike Masters and Johnson's model which does not.

Masters and Johnson's Sexual Response Cycle

Includes four stages: Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, and Resolution.

Excitement Phase

Characterized by vasocongestion and myotonia; physical changes such as vaginal tissue engorgement.

Plateau Phase

A phase where physiological reactions level off at a high state of arousal.

Female Orgasmic Disorder

The inability to achieve an orgasm; affects 5-10% of people with vulvas.

Premature Ejaculation

Achieving ejaculation in 60 seconds or less during intercourse.

Dyspareunia

Painful sexual intercourse; can be caused by inadequate lubrication, infections, or conditions like vaginismus.

Vaginismus

Involuntary, painful contractions of the outer two-thirds of the vaginal canal.

Comstock Laws

Banned the distribution of obscene information, including reproductive healthcare and pregnancy.

Outercourse

Any sexual activity (like oral sex or mutual masturbation) that avoids placing semen near the vulva.

Failure Rate

The number of couples who become pregnant while using a contraceptive method in a year.

Triphasic Pills

Oral contraceptives with gradually increasing hormone levels over three weeks.

Hormonal Contraception

Works by altering uterine lining, cervical mucus, or inhibiting ovulation.

Vaginal Ring

Delivers hormones through the vaginal wall to prevent ovulation.

Transdermal Patch

Absorbs hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy.

ParaGard vs Hormonal IUD

ParaGard uses copper, while hormonal IUDs contain progestins.

Emergency Contraception (EC)

Includes hormone blockers, IUDs, and hormone pills to prevent pregnancy post-unprotected intercourse.

Phexxi

A gel form of insertable contraception used before intercourse.

Availability of Emergency Contraception

Hormonal EC can be purchased by anyone in the United States without age restrictions.