Physiological Changes in Sexual Response

During sexual stimulation, the clitoris and erectile tissue near the vaginal opening fill with blood, causing a reduction in the size of the vaginal opening, which helps stimulate the penis, causing an erection, so ejaculation of sperm can occur. Mucus is also secreted by surrounding glands to lubricate the vaginal entry.

Answer: An erection begins with sensory and mental stimulation, causing the brain to send signals to the penis. The muscles in the corpora cavernosa relax, allowing blood to fill the sponge-like spaces. The tunica albuginea traps the blood under pressure, creating the erection. It is reversed when muscles contract, reducing blood flow, and the penis becomes flaccid.

Answer: Ejaculation occurs when the stimulus is intense enough, leading to rhythmic contractions of the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland. Semen, which contains sperm, is propelled through the urethra and out of the body. Ejaculation is accompanied by an orgasm, which includes rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and intense sensation.

<p>Answer: While female orgasm involves pleasurable sensations and bodily responses, it is not necessary for fertilization. Fertilization can occur when sperm is deposited in the vagina, even without a female orgasm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Answer: Insemination occurs when sperm is deposited into the vagina during ejaculation. The sperm travel through the cervix, into the uterus, and then into the uterine tubes, where fertilization may occur. Only a few thousand sperm reach the uterine tubes due to high sperm mortality as the acidic environment of the vagina kills the sperm</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>semen is composed of sperm and fluids from the seminal vesicles (which provide a nutrient-rich fluid), the prostate gland (which secretes a thin, milky alkaline fluid), and the bulbourethral gland (which produces mucus for lubrication). A typical ejaculate is about 3ml and contains 250-300 million sperm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Answer: After ejaculation, the muscles in the penis contract, stopping the blood flow into the corpora cavernosa. The blood pressure decreases, and the trapped blood is released, causing the penis to become flaccid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Answer: After insemination, the sperm travel through the cervix and into the uterus. The muscular contractions of the uterus and uterine tubes assist in moving the sperm toward the uterine tubes, where fertilization may occur.</p> Signup and view all the answers