Neural control of ejaculation.
Ejaculation is the most reinforcing component of sexual behavior. However, the neural substrates mediating ejaculation and processing ejaculation-related signals remain poorly understood. We review the current understanding of central control of ejaculation. Specifically, the recent identification of a candidate spinothalamic pathway involved in relay of ejaculation-specific signals is discussed. In addition, the discovery of a neural population of lumbar interneurons playing an pivotal role in expression of ejaculation is reviewed.
Coolen
Lique M
LM
Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA. Lique.Coolen@schulich.uwo.ca
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012677:Sensation; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology