brainstem/hindbrain

Flashcards covering key terminology and definitions related to the neuroanatomy and neurotransmitters involved in sexual behavior and related conditions.

Hindbrain

The region of the brain also known as rhombencephalon, composed of the pons, medulla, and cerebellum.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter derived from tryptophan, involved in mood, cognition, and various bodily functions.

Raphe nuclei

Clusters of nuclei in the brainstem involved in serotonergic projection.

Basal ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain associated with movement regulation and reward.

Periaqueductal gray (PAG)

A region of gray matter in the midbrain involved in pain modulation and defensive behaviors.

Nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS)

A sensory nucleus in the medulla that processes sensory information from the facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves.

Neocortex

The most evolved part of the brain cortex involved in higher cognitive functions.

Dopamine pathways

Neural pathways associated with the neurotransmitter dopamine, particularly involved in reward and motor function.

pontine nuclei

bridge structure that receives information from primary motor cortex and relay to cerebellum

motor activity, LEARNING motor skills

parabrachial nuclei

arousal,pain, blood sugar control, thermoregulation,taste,pleasure

recieves info from nts and relays noxious stimuli to the amygdala

Anxiety disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by excessive fear or anxiety, often treated with SSRIs.

Classical antidepressants

Medications like SSRIs that increase levels of serotonin by limiting its reuptake.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and regulates balance.

Estrus cycle

The regular cycle of reproductive hormones in females, affecting their behavior.

Sexual receptivity

A behavioral state in females that's dependent on the presence of ovarian hormones.

Lordosis

A posture adopted by receptive female mammals, critical for mating.

Coolidge effect

The phenomenon where males exhibit renewed sexual interest in new receptive females after mating.

Motivational component

The drive to engage in sexual behavior, influenced by certain brain regions.

Substantia nigra

A brain structure involved in reward, initiation of movement, and aspects of learning.

Hormonal effects

The influence of hormones on behavior and physiological processes, particularly in sexual behavior.

Sexual behavior pathways

The neural circuits that regulate sexual behavior differently in males and females.

Chronic pain

Long-lasting pain that can be affected by the PAG and serotonergic pathways.

what is this area and what does this area do for sex?

oribitofrontal cortex

mate selection, desirability

damage can induce abnormal sexual preference

what is this area and what does this area do for sex?

amygdala

erection, sexual feelings, sensation of extreme pleasure, ovulation, uterine contractions, orgasm

what is this area and what does this area do for sex?

ventral striatum, orgasm

what is this area and what does this area do for sex?

dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

reduce sexual drive

what is this area and what does this area do for sex?

damage leads to hyper sexuality