Difference between revisions of "Nervous Pathway Eliciting Reproductive Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
(28 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
== Sensitization == | == Sensitization == | ||
− | * Reproductive behaviour can only take place if the neurons in the [[ | + | * Reproductive behaviour can only take place if the neurons in the [[Hypothalamus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] have been sensitized to respond to sensory signals. |
− | + | === Male === | |
* 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 [[ | + | * 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. | ||
− | + | === Female === | |
* Only experiences high oestradiol during the '''follicular phase'''. | * Only experiences high oestradiol during the '''follicular phase'''. | ||
Line 25: | Line 17: | ||
---- | ---- | ||
− | == Generic Neural Pathway for Sexual Behaviour== | + | === Generic Neural Pathway for Sexual Behaviour=== |
+ | |||
+ | * Under the influence of oestrogen, sensory inputs such as [[Pre-copulatory Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Vomeronasal_Organ|olfaction]], [[Attractivity Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Auditory_Signals|audition]], [[Attractivity Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology#Visual_Signals|vision]] and [[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 & 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. | ||
+ | * 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 & Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamic neurons]]. | ||
+ | * [[Midbrain_- Anatomy & Physiology|Midbrain]] translated neuropeptide signals into a fast response. | ||
+ | * Neurons in the midbrain synapse with neurons in the brain stem (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 [[Receptivity Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology|lordosis]] and mounting. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Category:Reproductive Behaviour]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Bullet Points]] |
Latest revision as of 13:37, 5 July 2012
Sensitization
- Reproductive behaviour can only take place if the neurons in the hypothalamus have been sensitized to respond to sensory signals.
Male
- Testosterone is aromatized to oestradiol in the brain. Oestradiol promotes reproductive behaviour.
- Testosterone is produced in small episodes every 4-6 hours.
- Relatively constant supply of testosterone, thus oestradiol, to the hypothalamus in the male.
- This allows the male to initiate reproductive behaviour at any time.
Female
- Only experiences high oestradiol during the follicular phase.
- Will only display sexual receptivity during oestrus.
Generic Neural Pathway for Sexual Behaviour
- Under the influence of oestrogen, sensory inputs such as olfaction, audition, vision and tactility send neural messages to the hypothalamus .
- Sensory afferent neurons synapse directly on neurons in the ventromedial and pre-optic hypothalamic regions.
- These sensory inputs cause neurons in the hypothalamus to release behaviour specific peptides that serve as neurotransmitters.
- Neurotransmitters act on neurons in the midbrain.
- Neurons in the midbrain serve as receiving zones for the peptides produced by hypothalamic neurons.
- Midbrain translated neuropeptide signals into a fast response.
- Neurons in the midbrain synapse with neurons in the brain stem (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 lordosis and mounting.