Difference between revisions of "Nervous Pathway Eliciting Reproductive Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology"
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== 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_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamus]] have been sensitized to respond to sensory signals. |
=== 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 [[ | + | * Relatively constant supply of testosterone, thus oestradiol, to the [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_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=== | ||
| − | * 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 [[ | + | * 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]] . |
| − | * Sensory afferent neurons synapse directly on neurons in the [[ | + | * Sensory afferent neurons synapse directly on neurons in the [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_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_%26_Physiology|midbrain]]. | ||
| − | * Neurons in the midbrain serve as receiving zones for the peptides produced by [[ | + | * Neurons in the midbrain serve as receiving zones for the peptides produced by [[Hypothalamus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hypothalamus|hypothalamic neurons]]. |
* [[Midbrain_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Midbrain]] translated neuropeptide signals into a fast response. | * [[Midbrain_-_Anatomy_%26_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_%26_Physiology|lordosis]] and mounting. | ||
Revision as of 16:24, 3 September 2008
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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.