Neurological control of human sexual behaviour: insights from lesion studies

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2007 Oct;78(10):1042-9. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2006.107193. Epub 2006 Dec 22.

Abstract

We review the human literature examining the effects of neurological insult on human sexual behaviour. We provide a synthesis of the findings to date, and identify key brain regions associated with specific aspects of human sexual behaviour. These include subcortical and cortical regions, with the mesial temporal lobe and the amygdala in particular being a crucial structure in the mediation of human sexual drive.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amygdala / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Brain Diseases / complications*
  • Brain Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Globus Pallidus / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / physiopathology*
  • Subthalamus / physiopathology
  • Temporal Lobe / physiopathology