Human Sexuality Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering human sexuality concepts, components, orientations, response phases, expressions, and sexual functioning disorders.

Human Sexuality

A multidimensional concept that integrates the somatic (bodily), emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of being a human sexual being.

Biologic Gender

The term used to denote chromosomal sexual development: male (XY) or female (XX).

Gender / Sexual Identity

The inner sense a person has of being male or female.

Gender Role

The behavior a person conveys about being a male or female.

Sex

Refers to a person's physical characteristics at birth.

Gender

Encompasses a person's identities, expressions, and societal roles.

Reproductive Sexuality

A component of sexuality involving the biological aspects of conception, procreation, and the sexual response.

Gender Sexuality

A component of sexuality that deals with the social and emotional aspects of being a man or a woman.

Erotic Sexuality

A component of sexuality referring to sexual love and arousing sexual desires.

Heterosexuality

A sexual orientation where a person finds sexual fulfillment with a member of the opposite gender.

Homosexuality

A sexual orientation where a person finds sexual fulfillment with a member of his or her own sex.

Bisexuality

A sexual orientation where people achieve sexual satisfaction from both homosexual and heterosexual relationships.

Transexuality

An orientation where an individual, although one biological gender, feels as if he or she should be of the opposite gender.

Excitement Phase

The initial sexual response phase triggered by physical or psychological stimulation causing parasympathetic nerve stimulation, arterial dilation, venous constriction, vasocongestion, and increased muscular tension.

Plateau Phase

The stage of sexual response reached just before orgasm, characterized by clitoral retraction, formation of the orgasmic platform, penile distention, heart rate increasing to 100 to 175 beats per minute, and respiratory rate rising to approximately 40 respirations per minute.

Orgasm Phase

The phase occurring when stimulation proceeds to a point at which the body suddenly discharges accumulated sexual tension through vigorous pelvic muscle contractions.

Resolution Phase

A 30-minute period during which the external and internal genital organs return to an unaroused state.

Refractory Period

A period occurring during the resolution phase for males in which further orgasm is impossible.

Celibacy

Abstinence from sexual activity, allowing concentration on giving and receiving love through non-sexual expressions.

Transventism

A form of sexual expression where an individual dresses to take on the role of the opposite sex.

Voyeurism

Sexual arousal achieved by looking at another's body.

Masturbation

Self-stimulation for erotic pleasure.

Erotic Simulation

The use of visual materials such as magazines or photographs for sexual arousal.

Fetishism

Sexual arousal resulting from the use of certain objects or situations.

Sadomasochism

A form of sexual expression involving inflicting pain (sadism) or receiving pain (masochism) to achieve sexual satisfaction.

Exhibitionism

Revealing one's genitals in public.

Pedophiles

Individuals interested in sexual encounters with children.

Erectile Dysfunction

Formerly referred to as impotence; the inability to produce or maintain an erection long enough for vaginal penetration or partner satisfaction.

Premature Ejaculation

Ejaculation occurring before penile contact.

Anorgasmia

Failure to achieve orgasm, which can result from poor sexual technique or negative attitudes toward sexual relationships.

Vaginismus

Involuntary contraction of the muscles at the outlet of the vagina when coitus is attempted, prohibiting penile penetration.

Dyspareunia

Pain during coitus, which can be caused by endometriosis.

Inhibited Sexual Desire

Lack of desire for sexual relations, which may concern young or middle-aged adults.