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Reflexive Mechanisms in Copulatory Behavior

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Sex and Behavior

Abstract

Reflexive mechanisms involve some of the most basic considerations in the study of sexual behavior. In female mammals, exclusive of primates, the behavioral signs of receptivity often include spinal reflexes as do the important responses of erection and ejaculation in males of several mammalian species.* Studies of the temporal aspects of sexual activity, including sexual refractoriness, must take into account the role of basic reflexive mechanisms. Finally, the degree to which endogenous and exogenous gonadal steroids influence sexual reflexes of males and females is obviously important in understanding the total picture of hormonal control of sexual behavior.

Research in the studies by the author has been supported by Grant No. MH 12003 from the National Institute of Mental Health, US Public Health Service.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA

    Benjamin L. Hart

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  1. Benjamin L. Hart
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  1. Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA

    Thomas E. McGill

  2. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    Donald A. Dewsbury

  3. University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA

    Benjamin D. Sachs

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Hart, B.L. (1978). Reflexive Mechanisms in Copulatory Behavior. In: McGill, T.E., Dewsbury, D.A., Sachs, B.D. (eds) Sex and Behavior. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0421-8_8

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