Glossary
Coitus
The act of sexual intercourse.
Ejaculation
The process by which semen is ejected from the penis.
Ejaculatory Fluid
Essentially another word for semen. Also known as seminal fluid. This consists primarily of spermatozoa (sperm cells) which are secreted by the gonads.
Erection
The hydraulic effect of blood engorging the erectile tissues of the corpus cavernosum and spongiosum of the penis, causing it to become enlarged and turgid, often the result of arousal.
Hypertension
Maintenance of an abnormally high blood pressure.
Libido
The desire to have sexual intercourse.
Myotonia
The slow relaxation of muscles after contraction, often associated with involuntary muscle contractions.
NAD+/NADH
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, abbreviated NAD, is a coenzyme found in all living cells and is needed for the synthesis of testosterone.
NANC
Non-Adrenic, Non-Cholinergic neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Nitric Oxide
A chemical compound with the formula NO. It is an important signalling molecule in humans and other mammals.
Orientation
Emotional or sexual attraction towards, or away from, a particular gender influenced by hormonal, genetic and environmental factors.
Refractory Period
Th period immediately following ejaculation, whereby the man is completely unable to be sexually stimulated and cannot achieve further orgasm. It is often characterised by hypersensitivity in the genital area, which makes further stimulation either painful or uncomfortable.
Testosterone
An androgenic (sex) hormone that is predominantly produced in the testes and is responsible for the male sexual characteristics.
Urethra
A duct that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. It is the tube through which urine is passed, in addition to semen during ejaculation.
Vas deferens
A pair of tubes which link the epididymis in the testes to the urethra for the ejaculation of spermatozoa.
Vasocongestion
An accumulation of blood causing swelling in the genital area due to a localised rise in blood pressure.
Vasoconstriction
A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels.
Vasodilation
An increase in diameter of blood vessels.
