Caroline came back to her dorm room late on Friday night. It looked like her roommate was already home, but she was not alone. In fact, Caroline's roommate and her date were engaged in what looked to be the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle. What did Caroline see?

The plateau phase is the period of sexual excitement prior to orgasm. The phase is characterised by an increased circulation and heart rate in both sexes, increased sexual pleasure with increased stimulation and further increased muscle tension. Also, respiration continues at an elevated level.