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(New page: {{Biopsy}} '''Lordosis behavior''', or '''Mammalian lordosis''', is a sexual response in mammals, such as mice and cats, that consists of a ventral arching of the [[v...) |
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{{Biopsy}}
'''Lordosis behavior''', or '''Mammalian lordosis''', is an aspect of [[animal sexual receptivity]] and is a [[sexual response]] in [[mammal]]s, such as [[mouse|mice]] and [[cat]]s, that consists of a [[ventral]] arching of the [[vertebral column|spine]]. During lordosis, the spine curves so that the [[apex]] points in the ventral direction. That is, the convexity of the curve is on the side of the "belly" and the concavity of the curve is on the side of the back.
Lordosis aids in [[copulation]], as it elevates the hips to allow for intercourse and so is an element in [[animal mating behavior]]. It is commonly seen in females during [[oestrus]], and males in situations where they are receptive to homosexual advances.<ref>http://www.jstor.org/view/00335770/dm994703/99p1577y/0</ref>
In female mice during oestrus, the [[hormone]], [[estradiol]] (a hormone of the class of hormones known as [[estrogen]]s), affects [[neuron]]s in the ventromedial [[hypothalamus]], the [[periaqueductal gray]] and other areas of the [[brain]]. Sexual stimuli trigger activity in a number of brain areas, including the ventromedial hypothalamus, which sends impulses down axons synapsing with neurons in the periaqueductal gray. These convey an impulse to neurons in the medullary [[reticular formation]] which project down the [[reticulospinal tract]] and synapse with [[afferent neurons]] in the [[spinal cord]] (L1-L6) which contract muscles along the spine to exhibit the lordosis posture. Since these afferent neurons are also part of a [[reflex arc]], lordosis can also be triggered [[reflex]]ively.{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
== See also ==
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Animal sexual receptivity]]
[[Category:Animal mating behavior]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[category:Posture]]
[[Category:Reflexes]]
{{enWP|Lordosis behavior}}
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