Deck 6: Sexual Arousal and Response

Question 1

Elsa, who suffers from depression and difficulty controlling impulses, has been taking a medication that increases her level of serotonin. In comparison to before she started the medication, Elsa most likely . . .

A)experiences significantly greater sexual desire.
B)experiences dramatically increased sexual response.
C)has a substantially increased level of testosterone.
D)experiences less sexual desire.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Kissing on the mouth is . . .

A)viewed as pleasurable all over the world.
B)particularly common among the Hindu population of India.
C)rarely seen or unknown in many parts of the world.
D)universally seen as a prelude to sex.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Of the main senses, ____ tends to predominate during sexual intimacy.

A)taste
B)touch
C)smell
D)vision

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has demonstrated increased activity especially in the _____ during sexual arousal.

A)lateral lemniscus.
B)limbic system
C)lateral habituating fracas
D)cerebellum

Question 5

Testosterone is known to stimulate the release of:

A)serotonin in males only.
B)dopamine in females only.
C)acetylcholine in both males and females.
D)dopamine in both males and females.

Question 6

The fact that some women have claimed to experience orgasm while listening to their favorite musician at a concert can be attributed to:

A)the vibration of their chairs as a result of the amplified sound.
B)an excess of estrogen intake, probably as the result of being on birth control pills.
C)the capacity of their brains to engage in fantasy.
D)being on antidepressant medication.

Question 7

When women view visual erotica, ratings of sexual arousal are likely to be higher when:

A)old style "porn" films are used.
B)arousal is measured using physiological recording devices.
C)arousal is measured by self-reports.
D)films are made by male directors.

Question 8

If a person's shoulder were consistently stroked during each pleasurable sexual experience, it would soon become a source of sexual arousal. This part of the body would then be MOST appropriately labeled a:

A)primary erogenous zone.
B)secondary erogenous zone.
C)"G" spot.
D)"pleasure center."

Question 9

When asked by her boyfriend if she would like to watch an erotic film, Celia reports she is "just not into that." Which of the following is likely NOT a reason why Celia would have given that response?

A)Celia may believe that females should not find explicit media arousing.
B)In the past, Celia may have watched, and been offended by, old-style pornographic films that were created to appeal primarily to males.
C)Females rarely, if ever, find visual erotica sexually arousing.
D)Celia may not be aware that her body responds sexually to visual media.

Question 10

The mouth and the genitals are examples of ____ erogenous zones, while the upper and lower back are examples of ____ erogenous zones.

A)primary; secondary
B)secondary; primary
C)sensate; affectional
D)affectional; sensate

Question 11

Sexual practices are interwoven with the spiritual traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism in some Asian societies. In these cultures the primary goal of sexual interaction is:

A)male orgasm.
B)the extension of sexual arousal for long periods of time, often several hours.
C)procreation.
D)avoiding extramarital sex.

Question 12

The breasts, inner thighs, neck, and mouth are all examples of:

A)primary erogenous zones.
B)secondary erogenous zones.
C)"pleasure centers."
D)"G" spots.

Question 13

Human sexual arousal and response:

A)are probably determined by both psychosocial factors and biological factors.
B)are probably more determined by hormonal influences than other factors.
C)are probably more determined by sensory and central nervous system factors than others.
D)are apparently more determined by psychosocial factors in women and hormonal factors in men.

Question 14

With respect to odors and sexual arousal, which one is NOT true?

A)Pheromones are an example of odors related to reproductive functions.
B)The near obsession many people in our society have with masking natural body odors makes it difficult to study the effects of these smells.
C)The odor of genital secretions serves as a sexual stimulant for nearly all people.
D)Each person's unique experiences allow certain smells to acquire erotic significance.

Question 15

Mental events like fantasies are the product of the ____, the gray matter in the brain that controls reasoning and language abilities.

A)cerebral cortex
B)septal area
C)limbic system
D)hippocampus

Question 16

Which of the following structures is NOT a part of the limbic system?

A)cerebral cortex
B)hippocampus
C)amygdala
D)hypothalamus

Question 17

Which of the following is true?

A)Because human sexual response is entirely physical, there are few, if any, differences in what individuals in various cultures find arousing.
B)Because sexual arousal requires some type of physical stimulation, having a sexual fantasy is not sufficient to cause significant sexual response.
C)People of all cultures and backgrounds respond in a similar manner to highly sexual stimuli such as the smell of genital secretions.
D)Some individuals can achieve orgasm from fantasy alone.

Question 18

When Neil is being intimate with David, he feels a rush of euphoria due to an increase in levels of_____ in his body.

A)serotonin
B)prolactin
C)dopamine
D)luteinizing hormone

Question 19

Oral sex is likely to be viewed as unnatural or disgusting in:

A)much of the Western world.
B)industrialized nations of Asia.
C)southern regions of Africa.
D)island societies of the South Pacific.

Question 20

Couples are especially likely to engage in long periods of foreplay, with the goal of producing intense sexual arousal, in . . .

A)societies with Eastern traditions.
B)Inis Beag.
C)Western nations.
D)the southeast Himalayas.

Question 21

Nicotine slows sexual motivation and function by:

A)dilating the blood vessels.
B)impairing hypothalamic and pituitary functioning.
C)constricting the blood vessels and possibly decreasing testosterone in the blood.
D)increasing production of androgens.

Question 22

In men, the primary source of androgens is the ____, while the ____ is/are where the remaining androgens are produced.

A)Cowper's gland; hypothalamus
B)testes; adrenal glands
C)adrenal glands; hypothalamus
D)testes; hypothalamus

Question 23

Both the ____ and ____ produce androgens in the female body.

A)amygdala; hypothalamus
B)epididymis; testes
C)ovaries; adrenal glands
D)uterus; Bartholin's glands

Question 24

Cantharides ("Spanish fly")has which of the following effects on sexual arousal?

A)It increases blood flow to the labia and clitoris.
B)It irritates and inflames the lining of the urethra and bladder.
C)It increases the release of oxytocin.
D)It stimulates the release of testosterone by the adrenal glands.

Question 25

Substances known to inhibit sexual behavior are called:

A)anaphrodisiacs.
B)antierectiles.
C)potassium nitrates.
D)pheromones.

Question 26

A rare side effect, spontaneous orgasm, has been documented in both women and men who are taking:

A)antipsychotic drugs.
B)antidepressant medications.
C)tranquilizers.
D)antihypertensives.

Question 27

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A)Women have less testosterone than men but are more sensitive to it than men are.
B)Men and women have similar levels of testosterone but men are more sensitive to it, so they tend to have stronger sex drives than women.
C)Raising the level of testosterone above a normal range in men and women increases the sexual motivation in both sexes.
D)Men stop producing testosterone around the age of 60.

Question 28

Which of the following drugs may eventually be shown to have aphrodisiac qualities for at least some people?

A)Amphetamines
B)L-dopa
C)Cantharides
D)Yohimbine hydrochloride

Question 29

____ is sometimes referred to as the "love" hormone.

A)Testosterone
B)Androgen
C)Oxytocin
D)Estrogen

Question 30

Seth, a 33-year-old male, smokes marijuana every day. Seth . . .

A)may perceive that a sexual encounter is lasting a long time because of how marijuana can distort a person's sense of time.
B)likely has a higher testosterone level than males who do not smoke marijuana.
C)is particularly likely to be careful regarding his choice of sexual partner and to practice safer sex.
D)likely experiences enhanced sexual response.

Question 31

Dennis is a two-pack-a-day smoker. Adam, who is the same age as Dennis, has never smoked. Compared to Adam, Dennis likely . . .

A)has higher testosterone levels.
B)experiences greater sexual response.
C)has a greater sex drive.
D)experiences less sexual response.

Question 32

Oxytocin is produced in the:

A)hypothalamus.
B)pituitary gland.
C)gonads.
D)adrenal glands in the female and the testes in the male.

Question 33

Unfortunately, the rhinoceros population in Africa has dwindled to the point of near extinction, largely as a result of the erroneous belief that rhinoceros horn is a(n):

A)estrogen replacement.
B)effective aphrodisiac.
C)androgen-blocking drug.
D)cure for hypogonadism.

Question 34

Many antihypertensives, drugs used for treating high blood pressure, have been experimentally demonstrated to:

A)increase sexual interest in both sexes.
B)increase the intensity of orgasm in female subjects.
C)seriously inhibit erection and ejaculation.
D)increase the intensity of orgasm in male subjects.

Question 35

Androgens and estrogens belong to the general class of hormones called:

A)gonadotropins.
B)SSRIs.
C)steroids.
D)neuropeptides.

Question 36

A great deal of evidence indicates that regular use of opiates, such as heroin, morphine, and methadone, often produces a significant, and sometimes dramatic, ____.

A)priapism.
B)spontaneous orgasm.
C)decrease in sexual interest and activity in both sexes.
D)increase in sexual interest and activity in both sexes.

Question 37

Which of the following has been known to induce priapism (constant, unwanted erection)?

A)Amyl nitrate
B)Marijuana
C)Cantharides
D)L-dopa

Question 38

Boomer, a 22-year-old male, has consumed eight beers in the last four hours. Boomer . . .

A)if he has sex tonight, will likely experience greater sexual performance, particularly erectile capacity, than when he is sober.
B)may be more likely to engage in sex tonight because his inhibitions are reduced and his judgment is impaired.
C)is particularly likely to practice safe sex tonight.
D)will experience enhanced orgasmic intensity if he has sex tonight.

Question 39

Which one is NOT true of aphrodisiacs?

A)Alcohol is one of the readily available and inexpensive aphrodisiacs.
B)Foods that resemble male genitalia have often been tried as aphrodisiacs.
C)Marijuana has erroneously been reported to stimulate sexual desire.
D)The term derives from the name of the Greek goddess of love.

Question 40

Current research evidence seems to indicate that humans do secrete ____, yet it is still uncertain whether or not they act as sexual attractants.

A)pheromones
B)olfactory hormones
C)libidinal compounds
D)vomeronasal peptides

Question 41

Autistic children, who commonly exhibit a reduced ability to form social attachments and express love, often have significantly reduced levels of:

A)oxytocin.
B)testosterone.
C)dopamine.
D)prolactin.

Question 42

Although Arnold's doctor has told him he has a normal level of testosterone, Arnold believes his sexual performance will increase if he takes additional testosterone, which he buys on the Internet. Raising his testosterone to an abnormally high level could cause Arnold to experience . . .

A)fluid retention.
B)heart attack and/or stroke.
C)hair loss.
D)all of the above.

Question 43

One of the problems in using drugs such as Depo-Provera to treat sex offenders is that:

A)its effect on reducing testosterone circulation is highly variable.
B)its use may be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer.
C)sexual assaults may occur as the result of nonsexual motives.
D)while it has been used successfully in Europe, it has not met with FDA approval in the United States.

Question 44

Information on the impact of testosterone on male sexuality has been obtained from all of the following EXCEPT:

A)research involving the use of Depo-Provera and other antiandrogens.
B)research on hypogonadism.
C)studies of men who have undergone castration.
D)research on limbic system stimulation.

Question 45

When hormone replacement therapy is administered to hypogonadal men, ____.

A)sexual interest and activity decline.
B)sexual interest and activity often increase.
C)sexual interest and activity remain the same.
D)the results are highly variable but most are unaffected.

Question 46

A woman has been dating a man for some time who, although he appears to enjoy her company, seems sexually apathetic toward her. Which of the following would MOST likely enhance his sexual desire?

A)L-dopa
B)Cantharides
C)Any drug used to treat high blood pressure
D)Androgens

Question 47

Under which of the following circumstances would testosterone replacement therapy probably be LEAST appropriate?

A)When a woman goes through menopause
B)When a woman has her ovaries removed
C)When a woman has noticed decreased sexual desire, less intense orgasms, and diminished energy levels
D)When a woman is satisfied with her level of sexual desire and responsiveness

Question 48

Sam was diagnosed with hypogonadism at the age of seven years. Which of the following is MOST likely to be true of Sam?

A)He would have had physically abnormal genitals at birth.
B)The development of his secondary sex characteristics is likely to be retarded.
C)He will likely have a higher than normal sex drive at puberty.
D)He will likely develop normally as this condition has no direct effect on physical development.

Question 49

Even though women produce less testosterone than men, this does not mean that they have lower sex drives. This is BEST explained by which of the following statements?

A)Women produce more unbound testosterone than men.
B)Women's adrenal glands secrete free testosterone.
C)Women's body cells are more sensitive to testosterone than men's.
D)Women's sex drive is determined entirely by estrogen levels.

Question 50

Tuan has a low testosterone level. Most likely, Tuan experiences . . .

A)little interest in sexual activity.
B)difficulty in achieving and maintaining erections.
C)problems with premature ejaculation.
D)problems with ejaculatory inhibition.

Question 51

The medical term for castration is:

A)vasectomy.
B)cryptorchidism.
C)prostatectomy.
D)orchidectomy.

Question 52

Which of the following is a common sign of testosterone deficiency in both sexes?

A)Diminished energy level
B)Decreased fat mass
C)Increased muscle mass and strength
D)Increased body hair

Question 53

Excess testosterone can stimulate the growth of preexisting:

A)prostate cancer.
B)testicular cancer.
C)penile cancer.
D)colon cancer.

Question 54

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between estrogens and female sexual motivation and behavior?

A)Estrogens play an insignificant role in female sexual activity.
B)Estrogen replacement therapy increases female sexual desire.
C)Estrogen replacement therapy increases orgasmic capacity.
D)At this time, research findings are contradictory.

Question 55

Depo-Provera . . .

A)is used to treat hypogonadism.
B)belongs to a class of medications known as antiandrogens.
C)increases sexual desire and activity in both males and females.
D)has been taken off the market because of research indicating it can cause prostate cancer.

Question 56

Imani has little interest in sexual activity, which is beginning to cause problems in her relationship. If she wants to increase her level of sexual desire, Imani is MOST likely to benefit from . . .

A)estrogen replacement therapy.
B)Depo Provera.
C)progesterone therapy.
D)testosterone replacement therapy.

Question 57

Which of the following is NOT true of oxytocin?

A)It is sometimes referred to as the "snuggle" chemical.
B)It is often found in reduced levels in autistic children.
C)It is found only in females.
D)Its release is most powerfully triggered by the sense of touch.

Question 58

Which of the following BEST summarizes the role of oxytocin in both male and female sexual behavior?

A)It is secreted during orgasm and heightens orgasmic response.
B)It is only secreted during pregnancy in the female, and only during foreplay in the male.
C)It helps to intensify the sense of vision in both sexes.
D)It is secreted during cuddling and physical intimacy and increases the skin's sensitivity to touch.

Question 59

Gwyneth has experienced decreased sexual desire over the past year. Which of the following is the LEAST likely explanation for this?

A)She uses birth control pills as her method of contraception.
B)She has been taking antidepressant medication.
C)She smokes high-nicotine cigarettes.
D)She receives testosterone therapy.

Question 60

Testosterone replacement therapy . . .

A)is much more commonly prescribed to women than to men.
B)improves sexual desire and functioning for both males and females with low levels of the hormone.
C)has no clinical utility for women.
D)increases sexual desire and functioning in both males with low levels of the hormone as well as in males with normal levels of testosterone.

Question 61

The stage in the sexual response cycle in which physical signs of sexual response begin to appear is called the ______ phase.

A)orgasm
B)plateau
C)excitement
D)desire

Question 62

Engorgement and elevation of the testes becomes more pronounced during:

A)plateau.
B)orgasm.
C)resolution.
D)the expulsion phase of orgasm.

Question 63

A pink or red rash that can appear on the chest or breasts during sexual arousal is known as:

A)arousal flush.
B)vasocongestion.
C)sex flush.
D)excitement flush.

Question 64

____ is the engorgement of blood vessels in particular body parts in response to sexual arousal.

A)Labioscrotal swelling
B)Myotonia
C)Pubescence
D)Vasocongestion

Question 65

In what way are Kaplan's and Masters and Johnson's models of sexual response different?

A)Kaplan's model is much more focused on the physiological aspects of sexual response.
B)Masters and Johnson's model is the only one to include an orgasm phase.
C)Kaplan's model is the only one to include a desire phase.
D)Kaplan's model is the only one to include a resolution phase.

Question 66

Women who become highly aroused but never achieve orgasm do not move beyond the ____ stage of sexual response.

A)desire
B)refractory
C)excitement
D)plateau

Question 67

Which of the following MOST accurately describes the plateau phase?

A)Physiological reactions stabilize and level off.
B)Physiological reactions become more pronounced.
C)Sexual systems return to their nonaroused state.
D)Rhythmic muscular contractions occur at 0.8-second intervals.

Question 68

Freud's theory of orgasm held that ____ orgasm was more mature, and thus more preferable, than ____ orgasm.

A)vulval; uterine
B)uterine; vaginal
C)vaginal; clitoral
D)clitoral; vaginal

Question 69

Research indicates that when men and women are asked to write their subjective descriptions of orgasm:

A)Women's responses are distinguished by the intense imagery they use to describe their experiences.
B)Men's responses are distinguished by the graphic way in which they describe their physical sensations.
C)Women's responses are distinguished by the graphic way in which they describe their physical sensations.
D)Male and female descriptions are, on the whole, indistinguishable.

Question 70

The stages of Masters and Johnson's model of sexual response are . . .

A)desire, excitement, orgasm.
B)excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution.
C)identification, collision, combustion.
D)awakening, plateau, climax.

Question 71

Sexual facial grimaces are an example of:

A)vasocongestion.
B)myotonia.
C)sex differences.
D)a lack of desire.

Question 72

According to the dual control model of sexual response, the SIS process . . .

A)acts like a gas pedal by increasing a person's level of sexual activity.
B)is likely to be high in people who engage in risky sexual behaviors.
C)reduces sexual response in situations perceived to be dangerous.
D)is the primary determinant of sexual behavior.

Question 73

A man never initiates sex with his partner, although when she initiates with him he is sexually responsive (has an erection and eventually ejaculates). According to Kaplan, this man is having difficulty with the ____ phase of sexual response.

A)refractory
B)plateau
C)desire
D)excitement

Question 74

Which of the following is the BEST example of vasocongestion?

A)Uterine contractions
B)Erection of the penis
C)Vaginal tenting
D)Muscular spasms during orgasm

Question 75

Which of the following statements regarding the desire phase of sexual response is TRUE?

A)It is included in Masters and Johnson's model.
B)All sexual expression is preceded by desire.
C)When people have desire problems, they do not necessarily have excitement and/or orgasm problems.
D)Excitement is part of the desire phase.

Question 76

Which one is NOT true concerning the four-phase sexual response model?

A)Secondary sexual areas such as the nipples are not affected.
B)There is tremendous variability in subjective responses.
C)Paradoxically, the plateau level is a changing state.
D)The basic responses of men and women are very similar.

Question 77

The stages of Kaplan's model of sexual response are . . .

A)awakening, plateau, climax.
B)desire, excitement, orgasm.
C)excitement, orgasm, resolution.
D)indifference, tolerance, regret.

Question 78

____ is the shortest phase of the Masters and Johnson's sexual response cycle. ​

A)Plateau
B)Excitement
C)Orgasm
D)Refractory

Question 79

Which of the following occurs MOST frequently in the plateau phase?

A)Uterine contractions
B)The development of the orgasmic platform
C)Vaginal lubrication
D)The return of the testes to their normal size

Question 80

The dual control model of sexual response, which maintains that an individual's sexual response results from a balance between excitatory and inhibitory processes, was developed by . . .

A)Helen Singer Kaplan.
B)John Bancroft and Erick Jannsen.
C)Sigmund Freud.
D)William Masters and Virginia Johnson.