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Nervous Pathway Eliciting Reproductive Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 13:37, 5 July 2012
, 13:37, 5 July 2012no edit summary
== Sensitization ==
* 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 produced in small episodes every 4-6 hours.
* 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.
* Reproductive behaviour can only take place if the neurons in the [[Endocrine_System_-_Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] have been sensitized to respond to sensory signals.
=== Female ===
* Only experiences high oestradiol during the '''follicular phase'''.
* Will only display sexual receptivity during oestrus.
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== Male ==
=== 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]]