Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
The excitement phase refers to the first stage in the sexual response cycle where there's an initiation or increase in physical arousal such as increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
Related terms
Vasocongestion: It refers to swelling tissues due to increased blood filling vascular spaces causing erection in males and vaginal lubrication in females during this phase.
Myotonia: It refers to muscle tension experienced during this phase leading to contraction of voluntary muscles.