Human Sexuality Lecture Notes 16

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to human sexuality based on lecture notes.

Human Sexuality

The study of human sexual behavior, sexual orientation, and sexual health.

Sex Hormones

Chemical substances that regulate sexual behavior and characteristics, including testosterone and estrogen.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone that drives male sexual characteristics and behavior.

Estrogen

The primary female sex hormone contributing to female characteristics.

Sexual Response Cycle

The four stages of sexual responding: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Excitement Stage

The initial phase of the sexual response cycle marked by increased sexual arousal.

Plateau Stage

The phase of the sexual response cycle just before orgasm, characterized by peak sexual arousal.

Orgasm Stage

The phase in the sexual response cycle associated with the peak of sexual pleasure.

Resolution Stage

The final phase of the sexual response cycle where the body returns to its resting state.

Sexual Dysfunction

Impairments in sexual arousal or function, including disorders such as erectile disorder.

Erectile Disorder

A sexual dysfunction in males characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

Premature Ejaculation

A male sexual dysfunction where ejaculation occurs with minimal sexual stimulation.

Female Orgasmic Disorder

A dysfunction in females characterized by a persistent inability to achieve orgasm.

AIDS

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a life-threatening sexually transmitted infection caused by HIV.

STI

Sexually transmitted infection; includes diseases transmitted through sexual contact.

Chlamydia

A common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus; the virus that causes AIDS.

Sexual Arousal

The physiological and psychological state of being sexually excited.

Paraphilias

Atypical sexual desires or behaviors, such as exhibitionism or pedophilia.

Sexual Fantasy

Imagined sexual scenarios or experiences that evoke sexual arousal.

Teen Pregnancy Rate

The rate at which adolescents become pregnant, often influenced by social factors.

Sexual Orientation

A person's pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to people.

Heterosexual Orientation

Attraction to individuals of the opposite sex.

Same-Sex Attraction

Attraction to individuals of the same sex.

Bisexual Orientation

Attraction to both males and females.

Asexual Orientation

Absence of sexual attraction to any gender.

Pansexual Orientation

Attraction to people regardless of their gender.

Cultural Attitudes

How different societies view and accept various sexual behaviors and orientations.

Conversion Therapy

Attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation, often resulting in harm.

Erotic Plasticity

The degree to which sexual interests can be influenced by social and cultural factors.

Same-Sex Behavior in Animals

Instances of sexual behavior between individuals of the same sex observed in various animal species.

Genetic Influences on Sexual Orientation

Research suggesting that genetics may partially determine sexual orientation.

Prenatal Influences

Factors affecting sexual orientation and behavior that occur during fetal development.

Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

The evolutionary process shaping mating choices, favoring traits that improve reproductive success.

Immediate Explanations vs. Evolutionary Perspectives

The contrast between understanding behaviors through social learning theories versus evolutionary psychology.

Intimate Relationships and Sexual Satisfaction

The link between having fulfilling relationships and enhanced sexual experiences.

Modern Cultures and Gender Roles

The evolving nature of gender roles in contemporary societies.