What term describes the male physiological process where muscle contractions expel semen from the body?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Get ready for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Exam. Practice with hints and explanations to improve your understanding. Master your exam preparation today!

Ejaculation is the physiological term that describes the process in which muscle contractions force semen out of the male reproductive system. This typically occurs at the peak of sexual arousal and is often associated with orgasm, although they are distinct events.

During ejaculation, rhythmic contractions of the pelvic muscles and the muscles surrounding the base of the penis help propel semen through the urethra and out of the body. This process is a critical component of reproduction, as it allows for the delivery of sperm to fertilize an egg.

Understanding ejaculation helps to frame the broader context of the sexual response cycle, which includes phases such as the plateau phase, resolution phase, and orgasm. These phases depict different aspects of sexual arousal and response, highlighting how ejaculation specifically relates to the culmination of sexual activity.