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During the sexual arousal phases, increased heart rate is a physiological response driven by the autonomic nervous system. This response reflects the body's preparation for sexual activity, as the heart works harder to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to support heightened physical activity.

Increased heart rate is commonly associated with arousal as it aligns with other bodily changes, such as heightened blood flow to the genitals and increased sensitivity. These physiological mechanisms are part of the body's complex response to arousal, facilitating the overall sexual experience.

In contrast, facial grimaces, while they may occur in some contexts of emotional expression, do not represent a typical or common physiological response to sexual arousal. Emotional withdrawal and decreased muscle tension would not be representative of either the excitement or the responses typically associated with sexual arousal. Instead, one would expect to see the body responding in ways that promote engagement and readiness, such as increased heart rate, rather than withdrawal or relaxation of muscle tone.

Hence, the answer highlighting increased heart rate accurately reflects the common physiological responses observed during the sexual arousal phase.