Neural control of ejaculation

AbstractEjaculation is the most reinforcing component of sexual behavior. However, the neural substrates mediating ejaculation and processing ejaculation‐related signals remain poorly understood. We review the current understanding of central control of ejaculation. Specifically, the recent identification of a candidate spinothalamic pathway involved in relay of ejaculation‐specific signals is discussed. In addition, the discovery of a neural population of lumbar interneurons playing an pivotal role in expression of ejaculation is reviewed. J. Comp. Neurol. 493:39–45, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.