Neurobiology of sexual behavior

Recent advances in the neurobiology of sexual behavior have helped:to refin e our understanding of the neuroanatomical, neuroendocrine and neurochemica l systems that modulate responses to sexual stimulation. Both appetitive an d consummatory sexual behaviors have been studied in several laboratory spe cies and in humans using traditional and novel behavioral paradigms. New kn owledge has emerged concerning the role of hypothalamic, limbic and brainst em structures, neuropeptides, brain monoamines and nitric oxide in the cont rol of partner preference, sexual desire, erection, copulation, ejaculation , orgasm and sexual satiety. Brain imaging of visually evoked sexual arousa l in humans has also been examined.