orgasm
Summary
Orgasm is the peak of sexual arousal and the third phase of the Masters and Johnson sexual response cycle (excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution). Most testable: resolution follows it, and males typically have a refractory period in which another orgasm is not yet possible.
Detail
Meaning: Orgasm is the brief climax of sexual arousal. It involves rhythmic contractions of pelvic muscles, peak heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, and a sudden release of built-up muscle tension and genital blood engorgement (vasocongestion). Masters and Johnson measured these physiological changes in laboratory observation and described four phases in order:
1. Excitement: arousal begins and vasocongestion starts. 2. Plateau: arousal stays high and intensifies. 3. Orgasm: the climax. 4. Resolution: the body returns toward its unaroused state.
During resolution, males typically enter a refractory period, a span of time (length varies) when further orgasm is not possible. Females may be able to reach another orgasm sooner, though this varies.
On the MCAT: Expect a short description of a physiological state that you must match to a phase, or a passage about Masters and Johnson's observational research on sexual physiology. Questions may also ask you to order the phases or to identify which phase includes the refractory period.
Common confusion: Orgasm is not the end of the cycle. Resolution is, and the refractory period belongs to resolution. Also, this model describes physiological response only. It does not cover desire or emotional factors, which other models add.
Sources
- Psychology (Myers)
- Psychology (Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner)
Written for the MCAT and checked before it was published. For study reference only. Spotted an error? Let us know.