The neural control of female sexual function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Reproductive Biology
• Neuroendocrinology

Background:

• Female sexual function relies on complex neural control.
• Understanding these pathways is vital for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent research on the neural control of female sexual function.
• To emphasize the pathways controlling the genitalia.

Main Methods:

• Review of basic research on neural control of female sexual function.
• Emphasis on pathways controlling the genitalia.

Main Results:

• Sexual responses involve sympathetic, parasympathetic, and somatic nervous systems coordinated by spinal interneurons.
• Genital stimulation can reflexively elicit sexual responses.
• Descending pathways from supraspinal sites modulate spinal cord excitability.
• Supraspinal areas receive pelvic sensory information and are interconnected.
• Gonadal hormones modulate some supraspinal areas, enabling hormonal control of sexual behavior.

Conclusions:

• Understanding neural pathways is essential for restoring function after neural injury.
• The interplay between spinal and supraspinal centers, modulated by hormones, governs female sexual function.