Question

Describe the phases of the human sexual response.

Short answer

The four phases of the sexual response cycle are excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Sexual response can be defined as the set of physiological responses to sexual stimuli in preparation for intercourse.

In other words, the erotic stimuli trigger the sexual response, which ultimately leads to sexual intercourse under the right circumstances.

Step 2. Explanation

Excitement

• This phase is a triggered by exposure to sensually or mentally erotic stimuli; it can be a response to foreplay (physical, visual, and olfactory stimuli), viewing erotic images (visual stimulus), or fantasizing (mental stimulus).

Plateau

• The plateau phase is the continuation and, eventually, intensification of the excitement stage with one exception in men, and it ultimately leads to orgasm: For both sexes, the heart rate and blood circulation continue to increase as muscle tension and rapid breathing intensify.

Orgasm

• The third stage of the human sexual response ends the plateau as the neuromuscular tension in the preceding two phases is released within seconds, leading to a euphoric sensation. Once reached, orgasm involves a chain of involuntary actions, most notable of which is a series of rapid muscle contractions in the lower pelvic muscle groups.

Resolution

• The last phase in the Sexual Response Cycle is marked with a return to normal conditions. As such, blood pressure and heart rate decrease as the body eases up and genitalia start to revert back to the normal conditions. Within the resolution phase, there is a timeframe called the refractory period during which the individual cannot be aroused again.