Neural Mechanisms in Sexual Behavior. I. Reflexology of Sacral Segments of Cat ∗,†

Abstract

Summary

Activation of the third sacral and first caudal segment of the spinal cord evokes a segmental response on the ventral root resembling the cutaneous component of the segmental reflex of the more cranial parts of the spinal cord. A proprioceptive spike is absent in S₃, present in Ca₁. In each of these segments, there is a crossed reflex return resembling the cutaneous component and frequently somewhat later and smaller than the ipsilateral response. Stimulation of the penis or of the vulvar vestibule elicits the same response, though without the proprioceptive spike in the Ca₁ ventral root. Spinal transaction in the lower thoracic region does not alter these reflexes under the experimental conditions.