Which term refers to the engorgement of genital tissues leading to erection in males and swelling around the vaginal opening in females?

The term that refers to the engorgement of genital tissues leading to erection in males and swelling around the vaginal opening in females is vasocongestion. This physiological process is crucial in the sexual arousal phase, as it entails increased blood flow to genital areas, resulting in the swelling and erection that characterize sexual excitement.

During vasocongestion, blood vessels expand and fill with blood, especially in response to sexual arousal, which is why both males and females experience engorgement in their respective reproductive tissues. In males, this leads to an erection, and in females, it can manifest as swelling of the clitoral tissue and lubrication.

Other terms like the excitement phase refer to the broader state of sexual arousal that includes various physical and emotional responses but does not specifically denote the engorgement process. Myotonia refers to muscle tension and does not pertain directly to vascular changes in the genital area. Orgasm describes the climax of sexual excitement, involving intense pleasure and often contractions of the genital muscles, rather than the earlier stage of engorgement. Thus, vasocongestion accurately captures the specific physical changes occurring during arousal.