Human Sexual Response and Sex Roles
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Questions and Answers

What is the term used to describe courtship, flirting, seduction, and even foreplay in humans?

Proceptive behavior

What is the psychological belief that one's biological sex is female or male?

Gender identity

The Vomeronasal Organ (VNO) is present in the human fetus during the first trimester but degenerates before adulthood.

True (A)

Kissing is a universal form of sexual arousal across all cultures.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the outward expression of gender identity?

<p>Sex role</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common form of sexual coitus?

<p>Masturbation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the scientific study of human sexuality that helped increase our understanding of the human sexual response?

<p>Human sexual response cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a true statement about female orgasms?

<p>They are always accompanied by ejaculation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sexual Response Cycle

The series of physiological changes that occur in the body during sexual arousal and orgasm.

Excitement Phase

Initial phase of sexual response; characterized by increased blood flow to genitals, lubrication, and muscle tension.

Plateau Phase

Phase of sexual response following excitement; characterized by further intensification of arousal and preparation for orgasm.

Orgasm Phase

Phase of sexual response involving peak physical and emotional pleasure; characterized by muscle contractions & release of tension.

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Resolution Phase

Phase of sexual response after orgasm; where the body returns to its pre-arousal state.

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Erogenous Zones

Areas of the body particularly sensitive to touch and stimulation during sexual activity.

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Proceptive Behaviors

Behaviors associated with courtship, flirting, and seduction.

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Sex Roles

The outward expressions of one's gender identity, influenced by societal expectations.

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Gender Identity

One's internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither.

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Hormones

Chemical messengers that influence various bodily functions, including sexual drive and the sexual response cycle.

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Phero­mones

Chemical signals that influence the behaviour of other members of the same species, frequently related to sexual attraction.

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Coitus

Sexual intercourse; penetration of the vagina by the penis.

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Vasocongestion

Pooling of blood in blood vessels, a key to arousal in the sexual response cycle.

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Orgasm

Peak stage of sexual response.

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Refractory period

A period of decreased or absent sexual responsiveness after orgasm, typically longer in men than women.

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Cultural influence on sexuality

Social norms and values impact what is considered erotic and attractive in different communities.

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Retrograde ejaculation

Semen enters the bladder instead of through the urethra.

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Polygyny

A mating system where one male mates with multiple females.

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Monogamy

A mating system where one male and one female mate exclusively.

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Sex flush

A reddening of the skin due to blood vessel dilation during sexual arousal.

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Study Notes

The Human Sexual Response

  • Human sexual response cycle involves mechanics of coitus, arousal, and related behaviors
  • Cycle includes response in men and women
  • Malfunctions of the cycle can occur
  • Gender identity and sex roles, influenced by hormones, pheromones, and drugs, affect sex drive and response cycle

Sex Roles

  • Sex roles are shaped by biological sex, societal perceptions, and presented sexuality
  • Biological sex (XX or XY) determines anatomical and physiological traits, such as ovaries/testes and secondary sexual characteristics
  • Biological sex differences in brain function can influence sexual behavior
  • Gender identity is psychological belief/awareness of one's biological sex
  • Gender roles (or sex roles) outwardly express this identity
  • Nature vs nurture debate: Biological makeup ("nature") or learning and experience ("nurture") determine sex roles
  • Current theory: Continuous interaction of biological and social influences, from conception, shapes sex roles

Sexual Arousal

  • Arousal occurs when factors (environmental or internal thoughts) initiate a sexual response
  • Erotic stimuli are external factors that elicit sexual arousal
  • Individual differences strongly influence erotic perceptions
  • Cultural context significantly affects perceptions of erotic stimuli
  • Erotic stimuli can be mental or perceived by senses like vision, hearing, touch, taste, or smell

Erogenous Zones

  • These are areas of the body highly sensitive to touch and can evoke sexual arousal
  • Examples in males: glans, corona, lower portion of penis
  • Examples in females: clitoris, mons, labia minora, lower third of vagina, nipples, lips, tongue, ear lobes, anus, buttocks, thighs, back of knees, soles of feet, center of back
  • Individual sensitivity varies significantly

Proceptive Behavior

  • This describes courtship, flirtation, seduction, and foreplay in humans
  • It includes several universal features across cultures, like eye contact, smiling, animated conversation, closeness, touching, and mirroring behavior
  • These behaviors are influenced by culture and tradition

Human Pheromones/Vomeronasal Organ (VNO)

  • Pheromones are chemicals emitted by one member of a species that affect another's physiology or behavior
  • Some mammals rely heavily on smell for sexual interactions
  • VNO (in the nose) is a special sensory organ in many mammals, for sensing pheromones
  • Humans have a vestigial VNO, but its neuronal connections tend to be reduced leading to unclear functions in humans
  • Some research suggests that humans may sense pheromones via the regular olfactory epithelium for attraction

The Sexual Response Cycle

  • The cycle is divided into four main phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution
  • The cycle is continuous and the phases can blend together
  • Effective erotic stimuli are needed to trigger and maintain the experience in both men and women

Human Mating Systems

  • Monogamy: One mate
  • Polyandry: One female with several males
  • Polygyny: One male with several females
  • Promiscuity: No lasting pair bonds
  • In humans: Monogamy is common
  • Several factors, environment or resources of the environment, the duration of parenting/care for the child affect which mating strategy is favored.

Hormones and Sexual Behavior

  • Hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen) affect libido and sexual behavior
  • Testosterone influences male sexual motivation and sensitivity
  • Estrogens play an important role in the sex drive of humans
  • Several drugs can affect sexual behavior in both men and women
  • Hormones have central and peripheral effects influencing the brain and tissues

Sexual Dysfunction

  • Dysfunction is consistent failure to achieve sexual gratification
  • Several factors can contribute, including physical and psychological factors
  • Erectile dysfunction (failure to maintain an erection), premature ejaculation, and orgasmic dysfunction are common issues
  • There are various treatments and therapies to manage sexual problems

Homosexuality

  • Homosexuality is sexual attraction to members of the same sex
  • Several psychological, behavioral, and physical factors may play a role in developing homosexual tendencies
  • There are many perspectives on how these factors affect sexual orientation
  • Evidence supports a biological component associated with development (influence of prenatal hormones)

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Related Documents

Chapter 8 - The Human Sexual Response PDF

Description

Explore the intricacies of the human sexual response cycle, including the mechanics of coitus and factors influencing arousal in both men and women. Delve into the complex interplay between biological sex, societal perceptions, and gender identity, examining how these elements shape sexual behavior and roles. This quiz will challenge your understanding of the biological and psychological aspects of sex and gender.

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