![]() ![]() ![]() Such difference in sexual attitude between males and females can be partly attributed to dimorphic anatomical substrates located in the genital and nervous systems together with different hormonal profiles (Hausmann, 2017 MacLusky & Naftolin, 1981 McEwen & Milner, 2017). To date, although the neural mechanisms underlying desire, arousal, and orgasm are the same in both males and females, sexual responses, however, are different between genders (Balthazart, 2016 Clark & Hatfield, 1989 Petersen & Hyde, 2010). Detection of multimodal sexual stimuli involves sensory processing that merges with experiences to trigger autonomic as well as proper motor responses under an overwhelming cognitive control. Neural structures engaged in sexual behavior are located throughout the nervous system, both in its central and in its peripheral divisions. Therefore, a multisystem interaction is necessary to guarantee both features and the more complex functions typical of humans. In humans, sexual behavior is influenced by cultural settings requiring dynamic behavioral adaptation. The study of sexuality in animals is a complex topic that could be approached from different perspectives, given that it relies on the interplay between nervous, endocrine, and genetic factors. Sexual response is a deeply rooted key physiological condition found throughout the species. Providing healthcare professionals with information concerning sexual behavior may overcome useless and sometimes dangerous barriers and improve patient management, since sexual well-being is considered one of the most important aspects of one's quality of life. At the central level, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems appear to play a significant role in various factors of sexual response, although adrenergic, cholinergic, and other neuropeptide transmitter systems may contribute as well. ![]() Sexual behavior is regulated by both subcortical structures, such as the hypothalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord, and several cortical brain areas acting as an orchestra to finely adjust this primitive, complex, and versatile behavior. MethodsĪ literature search was conducted using PubMed in its entirety up to June 2018, analyzing the studies dealing with the neurobiological and neurophysiological basis of human sexuality. This narrative review aims at characterizing the involvement of the central nervous system in human sexual behavior. Disruption of endocrine, neural, or vascular response, caused by aging, medical illness, neurological diseases, surgery, or drugs, can lead to sexual dysfunctions, thus significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm are mediated by complex, yet still not fully understood, interactions of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems operating at the central and peripheral levels. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |