The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the standard four-phase model of the human sexual response cycle, here are the correct matches for the blurred items in your image.
Correct Answer
- Excitement Phase is matched with the description of initial arousal, characterized by increased blood flow to the genitals (vasocongestion), muscle tension, and initial physiological changes like erection in males and vaginal lubrication in females.
- Plateau Phase is matched with the description of arousal intensifying and leveling off before orgasm. The physical changes of the excitement phase are heightened, such as the penis becoming fully erect and the formation of the orgasmic platform in females.
- Orgasm Phase is matched with the description of the climax of the sexual response. This involves a sudden release of sexual tension and involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions in the pelvic region, leading to ejaculation in males and uterine contractions in females.
- Resolution Phase is matched with the description of the body returning to its pre-aroused state. Blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension decrease. Males enter a refractory period, while females may be capable of multiple orgasms.
Explanation of the Sexual Response Cycle
The human sexual response cycle, as pioneered by researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson, describes the physiological sequence of changes the body undergoes during sexual arousal and activity. This model is divided into four distinct phases.
The first stage is the excitement phase, which can be triggered by any form of sexual stimulation, whether physical or psychological. The primary physiological response is vasocongestion, an increase in blood flow to the genital and pelvic areas. In men, this causes the penis to become erect. In women, it results in vaginal lubrication and the swelling of the clitoris and labia. Both sexes experience a rise in heart rate, blood pressure, and myotonia, which is an increase in muscle tension throughout the body.
Next is the plateau phase, where the changes that began in the excitement phase intensify and are sustained, building towards a peak. Arousal levels off at a high point. In men, the penis becomes fully hard, and the testes swell and rise. In women, the outer part of the vagina swells to form the orgasmic platform, and the clitoris retracts. Breathing becomes heavier and more rapid.
The third phase is the orgasm, the shortest but most intense phase. It is the climax of sexual arousal, involving a powerful release of the neuromuscular tension built up in the previous stages. This phase is marked by a series of involuntary, rhythmic contractions of the pelvic muscles. For men, this process includes the ejaculation of semen. For women, it involves contractions of the uterine and vaginal walls.
Finally, the resolution phase marks the body’s return to its normal, unaroused state. The swelling in the genital tissues subsides, muscles relax, and vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure return to their resting levels. A significant difference between the sexes occurs in this phase. Men experience a refractory period, during which they cannot achieve another erection or orgasm. In contrast, women do not have a notable refractory period and can potentially experience multiple orgasms with continued stimulation.
