Changes

== Sensitization ==

== Sensitization ==

* 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.

* 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 ===

'''''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 [[Endocrine_System_-_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.

 

=== Female ===

'''''Female'''''

* Only experiences high oestradiol during the '''follicular phase'''.

* Only experiences high oestradiol during the '''follicular phase'''.

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== Generic Neural Pathway for Sexual Behaviour==

=== Generic Neural Pathway for Sexual Behaviour===

* 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 [[Endocrine_System_-_Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] .

* 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 [[Endocrine_System_-_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.

* Neurotransmitters act on neurons in the [[Midbrain_- Anatomy & Physiology|midbrain]].

* Neurons in the midbrain serve as receiving zones for the peptides produced by [[Endocrine_System_-_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 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 [[Receptivity Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology|lordosis]] and mounting.