PSYC 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10.3: Human Sexual Response Cycle, Erection, Vasocongestion

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1010
• Professor: Myriam Mongrain

Document Summary

There are similarities and differences between men and women in patterns of sexual arousal. Pattern a - culminates in orgasm and resolution - the ideal sequences for both sexes. Pattern b - involves sexual arousal without orgasm followed by a slow resolution - seen in both sexes but more common among women. Pattern c - involves multiples orgasms - exclusively in women, men go through a refractory period before they are capable of another orgasm. Men seem to reach orgasm more reliably than women. During the first phase, the level of physical arousal usually rises rapidly. Muscle tension, respiration rate, heart rate and blood pressure increases quickly - both sexes. Vasocongestion - engorgement of blood vessels - produces penile erection and swollen tests in males. In females, vasocongestion leads to swelling and hardening of the clitoris, expansional of vaginal lips and lubrication. Physiological arousal usually continues to build - at a slower pace.