Sexual Arousal and Response

■ One Advantage of Being Homo sapiens Unlike other mammals, human females are continuously responsive to and available for sexual activity, independent of ovulation. ■ Biological Foundations for Sexual Arousal and Response The brain and central nervous system, including the five senses, play roles of varying importance in human sexual arousal and response. ■ The Sexual Response Cycle There are a number of theories regarding the events of sexual arousal and response, including Masters and Johnson's EPOR model; Kaplan's model of desire, excitement, and orgasm; and Reed's ESP model. ■ Orgasm Men and women experience orgasm, the peak of sexual arousal, somewhat differently. The events and frequency of female orgasm vary more than those of male orgasm. ■ Sexuality and Disabilities Although they may interfere with sexual arousal and response, physical and psychological disabilities don't necessarily preclude sexual expression.