Female sexual arousal (image 1 of 2). Artwork of the side view of sectioned female sexual organs during the excitement phase of sexual arousal. Lubricating fluid is being secreted in the vagina (centre right). The inner section of the vagina, below the cervix that forms the base of the uterus (upper right), has become widened. During this stage of arousal, the uterus begins to be pulled upwards into the body. The bladder is seen to the left of the vagina with the rectum to the right. At centre left is the symphysis pubis bone of the pelvis. For the plateau phase of female sexual arousal see image P640/017.