Orgasm – what is the role of the brain?

Orgasm – what is the role of the brain?

Over 20 definitions of orgasm have been published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. The condition is explained on an anatomical, physiological, psychological, personal and even social level. There are several studies that specifically study orgasm and its anatomical basis in the brain. The accumulated tension during the sexual act is released in the form of an orgasm. In an anatomical context, it is expressed in the simultaneous contraction of certain muscles or muscle groups in the genital area. This reaction of the body is under brain control. It is the involvement of the central nervous system that makes the experience so special. The brain continuously receives information from the stimulated receptors, processes it in certain areas, forms sensations, starts the orgasm and experiences it. The receptors involved in the sexual stimulation of the brain are located throughout the body. Of course, their concentration is most intense in the genital area of ​​men and women. Orgasm can also be achieved by irritating certain skin areas on the inner thighs, abdomen, nipples in both sexes. The information from the receptors there reaches the same areas of the cerebral cortex and is perceived with the same force as the stimulation of the genital organs. There are numerous documented cases of orgasm being achieved just by activating these sensitive parts of the body, without intercourse having taken place. This supports the view that the brain is the most important organ for a complete sexual act. To be involved in the process, the latter must receive information from the receptors in the sensitive areas. The highways along which this information flows are the nerves. Peripherally, they end with receptors on the skin and mucous membranes. They pass centrally through the spinal cord and reach target structures in the cerebral cortex. Therefore, in case of damage to the spinal cord (injuries, degenerative, inflammatory changes, etc.), a state of inability to experience orgasm (anorgasmia) can be observed. NEWS_MORE_BOX Until recently, little was known about the brain structures involved in orgasm. This was due to the lack of equipment sensitive enough to pick up the brain activation and subtle physiological changes during the brief period of seconds of ecstasy. A team of scientists at the University of Groningen conducted a study of a small sample of men and women during sexual stimulation and reaching orgasm. A PET scanner was used to detect brain activity. The obtained results can be summarized as follows: 1. No significant differences were found between men and women in brain activation. In both sexes, a certain area of ​​the cerebral cortex was “turned off”. This region occupies part of the cortex located behind the left eye and is called the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (LOC). The latter takes an active part in the control of behavior and in logical reasoning. Therefore,in a state of orgasm the brain “loses control”. Deactivation of the left LOC is also observed with heroin use. According to some scientists, the similarities in the brain activity of a person who has taken heroin and in orgasm are more than 90%. 2. Decreased activity of the amygdala and hippocampus was observed in women. They normally take part in experiencing emotions such as fear and irritation. Therefore, the need to be relaxed and feel safe is an important element of sexual satisfaction for them. In addition, a part of the cortex responsible for the perception of pain was excited. In this line of thought, there is a subtle relationship between pain and pleasure in women. 3. The study also concluded that the brain never lies about orgasm. The women who later admitted to having faked an orgasm had a completely different brain profile on the PET scan. In them, the cerebellum, which is responsible for controlling movements, was mainly activated. Additionally, they used areas of the cortex relevant to acting.

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