Erogenous zone
An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity and stimulation of which normally results in sexual response. Depending on the individual, this could include any and all areas of the body, but the majority of men and women have common erogenous zones. Although areas of the skin are most common, the penis in men and the clitoris in women are both erogenous zones, for example.
In a BDSM context, these zones can be consensually brutalised.
Contents |
Anatomy
There are two main classes of erogenous zone in the skin, which are accepted.
Nonspecific
The skin is similar to normal haired skin and has the normal high density of nerves and hair follicles. These areas include the sides and back of the neck, the axillae (armpit) and sides of the thorax (chest). An exaggerated tickle and anticipatory response are responsible for the heightened sensual response.
Specific
These areas produce stronger sensation and include the genitals, including prepuce, penis, clitoris, vulva and perianal skin, scrotum, lips, nipple and conjunctiva. The rete ridges of the epithelium are well formed and more of the nerves are close to the external surface of the skin than in normal haired skin.
- Mind
- Thought to be associated with the higher functions of the human brain, particularly those related to emotion, and highly sensitive to erotic language and imagery.
- Prepuce (plural prepuces)
- the foreskin, or retractable fold of tissue covering the tip of the penis
- Clitoris (plural clitorises or clitorides)
- A small sensitive elongated erectile organ at the anterior part of the vulva in female mammals, homologous with the penis.
- Penis (plural penises or penes)
- The male sexual organ for copulation and urination; the tubular portion of the male genitalia (excluding the scrotum).
- Anus (plural anuses)
- The lower opening of the digestive tract, through which feces pass.
- Lip (plural lips)
- either of the two fleshy protrusions around the opening of the mouth.
- a part of the body that resembles a lip, such as the edge of a wound or the labia.
- Mouth (plural mouths)
- The opening through which food is ingested.
- Eye (plural eyes or (archaic) eyen)
- An organ that is sensitive to light, which it converts to electrical signals passed to the brain. Kissing a lover's eyes is a common activity in the West. Some cultures believe that a sexual partner can be brought to climax simply through prolonged eye contact known as Soul gazing.
- Breast (plural breasts)
- Either of the two fleshy organs on the front of a woman's chest, which contain the mammary glands; also the analogous organs in men.
Practical applications
Fingers
The finger tips have many nerves and are responsive to very light touches, like the brushing of a tongue or light fingernail or teeth stroking. The sides are somewhat less sensitive and more ticklish. Both light and firmer touches work well at the junctions at the base of the fingers.
Feet & Toes
Many people enjoy the sensation of having their feet and toes sucked or licked. For many people, however this can be a very sensitive and ticklish area.
Ears
Many people enjoy having their ears lightly sucked or bitten. It produces an arousing sensation throughout the body and is quite pleasurable. Also, driving the tongue straight into the ear canal is a fairly safe form of penetration, provided that both partners are healthy and not especially subject to ear infections.
Neck
The neck and clavicle area is a very sensitive region. Licking, kissing, and caressing here are very arousing to many people. The neck area is very prone to broken blood vessels, and too rough of kissing or biting here can leave bruises known as love bites, commonly referred to as hickies. Additionally the back of the neck is very sensitive to arousal by lightly caressing.
Scalp
This is sometimes called "foreplay for the head," and it seems to be true. A scalp massage is a way to relax someone, or arouse them.
Female genitalia
The clitoris provides the most erogenous zone on the female body.
Within the vaginal canal there is a patch of ribbed rough tissue along the front of the canal. It has a texture similar to the palate (the roof of a mouth). This is the Gräfenberg spot (G-spot).
Male genitalia
The penis is the most erogenous zone in the male body. In particular, the natural glans and frenulum are highly sensitive and may elicit strong sensations from the slightest touch or movement. The ridged band is also a fairly sensitive part of the penis as well.
The skin of the scrotum is very sensitive to light touching and stroking, causing a pleasurable sensation; the scrotum may also be quite ticklish.
Males can also be aroused by light stroking and touching of the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus). Applying a firm pressure on it just before ejaculation can heighten the intensity of orgasm.
External links
- Erogenous Zones: Their Nerve Supply and Significance, Winkelmann RK, Mayo Clin Proc 1959;34(2):39-47
See also
| This page uses content from SM-201; the original article can be viewed here. |
