Lecture 5 – Sexual Arousal, Response, Behaviors & Alternative Sexuality

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key anatomical, physiological, behavioral, and cultural terms introduced in Lecture 5 to aid exam preparation.

Sexual Arousal

Activation of reflexes involving sexual organs, hormones, and the nervous system, often influenced by emotions or fantasies.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer brain layer responsible for higher mental processes; can increase or inhibit sexual arousal through memories, language, and imagination.

Limbic System

Brain region (including cingulate gyrus, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus) that regulates emotion, motivation, and sexual function.

Medial Preoptic Area (MPOA)

Portion of the hypothalamus strongly linked to sexual arousal and behavior.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter that facilitates sexual arousal and gives a rewarding feeling.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that tends to inhibit sexual arousal and may contribute to sexual satiety.

Erogenous Zones

Body areas especially sensitive to touch that can trigger sexual arousal when stimulated.

Primary Erogenous Zones

Areas dense with nerve endings (e.g., genitals, mouth, ears, anus).

Secondary Erogenous Zones

Body regions that become erotically sensitive through personal experience or learning.

Aphrodisiac

Substance believed to increase sexual desire or response (often a placebo effect).

Anaphrodisiac

Substance that diminishes sexual desire, e.g., certain antidepressants, opioids, nicotine.

Estrogen

Hormone that maintains vaginal health and lubrication; role in libido is unclear.

Testosterone

Hormone with a stronger effect on libido than on function; drastically reduced by castration or Depo-Provera therapy.

Human Sexual Response Cycle (HSRC)

Masters & Johnson’s four-phase model: excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution.

Vasocongestion

Engorgement of body tissues with blood during sexual arousal.

Myotonia

Increased muscle tension occurring throughout sexual response, culminating in orgasmic contractions.

Excitement Phase

Initial stage of HSRC marked by genital swelling, lubrication, and rising heart rate.

Plateau Phase

Second HSRC stage with heightened tension, orgasmic platform formation, and pre-ejaculatory fluid release.

Orgasm Phase

Peak stage featuring rhythmic muscular contractions, intense pleasure, and hormone release (oxytocin, prolactin, endorphins).

Resolution Phase

Return to unaroused state; involves subsiding swelling and muscle relaxation.

Refractory Period

Time after ejaculation during which another orgasm is temporarily impossible.

Dual Control Model

Theory that sexual response depends on a balance of excitatory and inhibitory processes (gas vs. brake).

Inhibited Sexual Desire

Chronic lack of physiological arousal or subjective sexual interest.

Erectile Disorder (ED)

Persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for penetration.

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)

Spontaneous, intrusive genital arousal without desire, accompanied by tingling or throbbing.

Dyspareunia

Painful sexual intercourse; may involve genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder or vaginismus.

Vaginismus

Involuntary spasms of the outer third of the vagina causing painful or impossible penetration.

Sensate Focus

Sex therapy technique using non-genital touch to enhance pleasure and reduce performance anxiety.

Celibacy

Choice to abstain from sexual activity; may be complete (no masturbation) or partial (no partnered sex).

Erotic Dream

Sexual experience occurring during sleep, possibly ending in a nocturnal orgasm.

Erotic Fantasy

Sexual thoughts or daydreams that can enhance arousal alone or with a partner.

Masturbation

Self-stimulation of the genitals for sexual pleasure and tension relief.

Foreplay

Sexual touching, kissing, or caressing that occurs before or instead of penetration.

Outercourse

Sexual activity without penetration, e.g., mutual masturbation or erotic massage.

Frottage

Rubbing one’s body against another’s (often through clothing) for sexual stimulation; “dry humping.”

Cunnilingus

Oral stimulation of the vulva.

Fellatio

Oral stimulation of the penis.

Analingus

Oral stimulation of the anus; also called rimming.

Anal Intercourse

Penetration of the anus; requires lubrication and gentle technique due to delicate tissue.

Pegging

Anal penetration of a partner using a strap-on dildo.

Fisting

Insertion of an entire fist into the anus or vagina; demands extensive lubrication and care.

Coitus

Penile-vaginal intercourse.

Dildo

Phallic sex toy designed for insertion into the vagina or anus.

Vibrator

Device that produces rapid oscillations to stimulate erogenous zones.

Cock Ring

Ring worn around the base of the penis (and sometimes scrotum) to maintain erection and heighten sensation.

Kink

Umbrella term for sexual thoughts, fantasies, or practices outside mainstream “vanilla” norms.

Vanilla

Sexual activities considered conventional or mainstream.

Paraphilia

Atypical sexual desire that may focus on extreme, dangerous, or non-sexual objects or situations.

Fetish

Sexual arousal fixated on an inanimate object, non-genital body part, fluid, or unusual situation.

BDSM

Collective term for Bondage & Discipline, Dominance/submission, Sadism & Masochism; emphasizes consensual power exchange.

Sadism

Deriving sexual pleasure from inflicting pain, humiliation, or suffering on another.

Masochism

Deriving sexual pleasure from receiving pain, humiliation, or suffering.

Consent

Freely given, informed, enthusiastic agreement to participate in sexual activity.

Safe Word

Pre-arranged word or phrase used to immediately stop a BDSM scene.

Top

Person who provides stimulation, control, or sensation in a scene.

Bottom

Person who receives stimulation, control, or sensation in a scene.

Switch

Individual who alternates between top and bottom roles depending on mood or partner.

RACK

Risk-Aware Consensual Kink philosophy emphasizing informed consent and acknowledgment of risks.

Safe, Sane, Consensual (SSC)

BDSM guideline advocating safe practices, sound judgment, and mutual consent.

Aftercare

Emotional and physical support given to participants following intense sexual or BDSM play.

Headspace

Altered mental state achieved during BDSM scenes, such as submissive “subspace.”

Temperature Play

Erotic activity involving hot or cold sensations on the skin.

Knife Play

Consensual erotic play using dull or sharpened blades to create sensation or psychological edge.

Breath Play

Erotic manipulation of breathing or airflow; requires extreme caution due to risk of harm.

Sensory Deprivation

Limiting one or more senses (e.g., blindfolding, ear plugs) to heighten other sensations.

Impact Play

Striking the body with hands or implements (e.g., floggers, paddles) for erotic stimulation.

CBT (Cock and Ball Torture)

BDSM activity applying stimulation or pain to the penis and testicles.

Pheromone

Chemical signal secreted by the body that may affect the sexual behavior of others.

Estratetraenol (EST)

Estrogen-like chemical in female urine shown to activate hypothalamus of people attracted to women.

Androstadienone (AND)

Testosterone derivative in male sweat shown to activate hypothalamus of people attracted to men.