Damage to these areas results in a decreased motivation to engage in sexual behavior, while leaving the ability to do so intact (figure below) (Everett, 1990). (credit: Jason Snyder)Īnimal research suggests that limbic system structures such as the amygdala and nucleus accumbens are especially important for sexual motivation. This suggests that the ability to engage in sexual behavior and the motivation to do so may be mediated by neural systems distinct from one another.Ī male rat that cannot engage in sexual behavior still seeks receptive females, suggesting that the ability to engage in sexual behavior and the motivation to do so are mediated by different systems in the brain. Surprisingly, medial preoptic lesions do not change how hard a male rat is willing to work to gain access to a sexually receptive female (figure below). In fact, lesions to an area of the hypothalamus called the medial preoptic area completely disrupt a male rat’s ability to engage in sexual behavior. As you’ve learned, the hypothalamus plays an important role in motivated behaviors, and sex is no exception. Much of what we know about the physiological mechanisms that underlie sexual behavior and motivation comes from animal research. PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND MOTIVATION This section will close with a discussion of issues related to gender and sexual orientation. This section provides an overview of research that has been conducted on human sexual behavior and motivation. Sexual behavior in humans, however, involves much more than reproduction. From an evolutionary perspective, the reason is obvious-perpetuation of the species. Like food, sex is an important part of our lives. Define sexual orientation and gender identity.Recognize the contributions that William Masters and Virginia Johnson’s research made to our understanding of the sexual response cycle.Appreciate the importance of Alfred Kinsey’s research on human sexuality.Understand basic biological mechanisms regulating sexual behavior and motivation.By the end of this section, you will be able to:
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