epublishing store: Intro

Sexual Health eBook Volume2
Chapter 2

The Role of the Brain and Nervous System, Andrea Bradford & Cindy M. Meston

It is commonly remarked that the brain is our most vital sexual organ. Indeed, without higher brain functions to contribute to its most salient emotional and perceptual qualities, sexual activity would be a very different experience from what most of us would expect. However, the brain also moderates other important aspects of sexual response. Distinct brain areas appear to be involved in generating sexual motivation or drive, recognizing a potential sexual partner, coordinating movement during sexual activity, inhibiting sexual responses in certain circumstances, and learning sexual preferences. Without coordinated input from one or more of these functional areas of the brain, sexual behavior is markedly altered.

The pathways involved in the neural control of sexual response serve as conduits for sensory, motor, visceral, and regulatory information. Although higher brain areas govern the conscious appreciation of sexual behavior, many of the basic neural pathways involved in genital responses are controlled at the level of the spinal cord. Pelvic nervous function, particularly in men, is at present more thoroughly understood than the higher brain systems that facilitate, inhibit, or activate spinal neural pathways involved in sexual behavior. This chapter will outline the role of the brain and nervous system in sexual function, beginning at the level of the genitals and proceeding into the higher control centers of the brain.

Sexual Health eBook Volume2 Chapter 2 $20 http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=104436&ProductID=3537141

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