bio let 2 Flashcards
What is Appetitive Behaviour?
Behaviour aimed at finding and obtaining a sexual partner.
This refers to the motivation to have sex.
What is Consummatory Behaviour?
The actual sexual act.
This refers to the process of actually having sex.
What typically triggers Appetitive Behaviour?
External stimuli such as:
* Opposite-sex conspecifics
* Chemical stimuli (pheromones)
* Learned sensory modalities
These stimuli can be both conscious and unconscious.
What are Pheromones?
Species-typical molecules triggering responses in another animal of the same species.
They are thought to play a role in sexual interest.
How do other mammals detect pheromones?
Via the vomeronasal organ (VNO).
There is debate over whether humans have a functional VNO.
What is the role of the olfactory epithelium in humans regarding pheromones?
It can detect some pheromones.
This is also true for pigs.
What changes in women’s t-shirt smell during the menstrual cycle?
They smell sexier during their fertile phase.
This is believed to be related to sexual attraction.
What effect does Androstadienone have on women?
It triggers alertness, good mood, and sexual arousal in women.
However, it worsens mood in men.
What activates male hypothalamic areas?
Estratetraene.
It is found in female urine during the third trimester of pregnancy.
How does sexual motivation relate to learned associations?
Sexual motivation is influenced by learned associations and various sensory modalities.
These associations can develop over time.
What role do hormones play in sexual interest?
Hormones and brain mechanisms influence sexual interest.
This includes both males and females.
How does testosterone affect sexual interest in males?
Testosterone suppression reduces sexual interest but not performance.
Anti-androgen drugs can block testosterone production.
What happens to sexual motivation in females when taking the pill?
It changes who they are attracted to.
Women are more likely to initiate sex when ovulating due to oestradiol.
What does sexual motivation follow in females?
A cyclical pattern, with peaks corresponding to hormonal changes.
This is also observed in masturbation frequency.
What is a ganglion?
A cluster of neuronal cell bodies located outside the central nervous system (CNS).
Ganglia act as relay stations for signals.
What are the four stages of arousal according to Masters & Johnson?
- Excitement
- Plateau
- Orgasm
- Resolution
These stages describe the process of consummatory sexual behaviour.
What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play in the excitement and plateau phases?
It controls erection and vaginal lubrication.
This is achieved through the release of acetylcholine.
What does nitric oxide (NO) do during arousal?
Increases cyclic GMP (cGMP), leading to smooth muscle relaxation.
This is crucial for maintaining erections.
What is the function of Viagra?
Inhibits PDE5, which breaks down cGMP, maintaining erection.
Viagra does not cause an erection but helps maintain one.
What is erectile dysfunction typically related to?
Always has a physical component.
Stress can increase sympathetic activity leading to vasoconstriction.
What triggers orgasm?
Local stimulation + central input.
Requires activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
What is the role of oxytocin during orgasm?
Peaks during orgasm and is linked to pair-bonding.
Prolactin is also released, suppressing further sexual motivation.
What happens during the resolution phase?
Active inhibition of sexual motivation occurs.
Prolactin release is a key factor.
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system in sexual behaviour?
Relays signals through ganglia to control smooth muscle activity in the genitals.
The brain also influences arousal based on emotions and context.
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system during arousal?
Increases blood flow leading to:
* Erection (men)
* Clitoral and vaginal lubrication (women)
* Engorgement of genital tissues
Achieved through the release of acetylcholine.
What is the sympathetic nervous system’s role during orgasm?
Causes ejaculation and uterine/vaginal contractions.
It also increases heart rate and breathing.
What controls voluntary movements related to sexual behaviour?
The somatic nervous system via the pudendal nerve.
This nerve controls pelvic floor muscles for rhythmic contractions during orgasm.
