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| == Sensitization == | | == Sensitization == |
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− | * Reproductive behaviour can only take place if the neurons in the [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] have been sensitized to respond to sensory signals. | + | * Reproductive behaviour can only take place if the neurons in the [[Hypothalamus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] have been sensitized to respond to sensory signals. |
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| === Male === | | === Male === |
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| * Testosterone is aromatized to oestradiol in the brain. Oestradiol promotes reproductive behaviour. | | * Testosterone is aromatized to oestradiol in the brain. Oestradiol promotes reproductive behaviour. |
| * Testosterone is produced in small episodes every 4-6 hours. | | * Testosterone is produced in small episodes every 4-6 hours. |
− | * Relatively constant supply of testosterone, thus oestradiol, to the [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] in the male. | + | * Relatively constant supply of testosterone, thus oestradiol, to the [[Hypothalamus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] in the male. |
| * This allows the male to initiate reproductive behaviour at any time. | | * This allows the male to initiate reproductive behaviour at any time. |
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| === Generic Neural Pathway for Sexual Behaviour=== | | === Generic Neural Pathway for Sexual Behaviour=== |
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− | * Under the influence of oestrogen, sensory inputs such as [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Pre-copulatory_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Vomeronasal_Organ|olfaction]], [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Auditory_Signals|audition]], [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Visual_Signals|vision]] and [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Pre-copulatory_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Tactile_Stimulation|tactility]] send neural messages to the [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] . | + | * Under the influence of oestrogen, sensory inputs such as [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Pre-copulatory_Behaviour_- Anatomy & Physiology#Vomeronasal_Organ|olfaction]], [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_- Anatomy & Physiology#Auditory_Signals|audition]], [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Attractivity_Behaviour_- Anatomy & Physiology#Visual_Signals|vision]] and [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Pre-copulatory_Behaviour_- Anatomy & Physiology#Tactile_Stimulation|tactility]] send neural messages to the [[Hypothalamus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] . |
− | * Sensory afferent neurons synapse directly on neurons in the [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|ventromedial and pre-optic hypothalamic regions]]. | + | * Sensory afferent neurons synapse directly on neurons in the [[Hypothalamus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Hypothalamus|ventromedial and pre-optic hypothalamic regions]]. |
| * These sensory inputs cause neurons in the hypothalamus to release behaviour specific peptides that serve as neurotransmitters. | | * These sensory inputs cause neurons in the hypothalamus to release behaviour specific peptides that serve as neurotransmitters. |
− | * Neurotransmitters act on neurons in the [[Midbrain_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|midbrain]]. | + | * Neurotransmitters act on neurons in the [[Midbrain_- Anatomy & Physiology|midbrain]]. |
− | * Neurons in the midbrain serve as receiving zones for the peptides produced by [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamic neurons]]. | + | * Neurons in the midbrain serve as receiving zones for the peptides produced by [[Hypothalamus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamic neurons]]. |
− | * [[Midbrain_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Midbrain]] translated neuropeptide signals into a fast response. | + | * [[Midbrain_- Anatomy & Physiology|Midbrain]] translated neuropeptide signals into a fast response. |
| * Neurons in the midbrain synapse with neurons in the brain stem (medulla). | | * Neurons in the midbrain synapse with neurons in the brain stem (medulla). |
| * Nervous signals are integrated in the medulla. | | * Nervous signals are integrated in the medulla. |
− | * From the medulla, nerve tracts extend to the spinal cord where nerves synapse with motor neurons that innervate muscles that cause [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Receptivity_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|lordosis]] and mounting. | + | * From the medulla, nerve tracts extend to the spinal cord where nerves synapse with motor neurons that innervate muscles that cause [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Receptivity_Behaviour_- Anatomy & Physiology|lordosis]] and mounting. |
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| [[Category:Reproductive System]] | | [[Category:Reproductive System]] |