Hypothalamus and sexual orientation

[Der_Neugierige]

Can we presume that sexual orientation, androphilic and gynephilic, are orginated in the human hypothalamus?

 

I mean it is a drive that you can not learn or turn off as same as hunger or thirst. And the nuclei of the human hypothalamus are connected with the autonomous nerv system.

 

And someone who gets horny when he sees a naked woman still gets horny when he is 50 years old. Sexual orientation is pretty stable as same as hunger or thirst. This rather speaks for the hypothalamus in generating a certain sexual orientation. Doesn't?

Edited March 17, 2016 by Der_Neugierige

[Xalatan]

It seems rather reductionist to think of hypothalamus as the origin of sexual orientation. Yes, GnRH drives pituitary hormone release to control sex hormone production in the gonads, and it controls the autonomic nervous system that governs the mechanics of penile erection. I don't know if it's this simple though. Is there a cortical component to sexual arousal? Maybe there is visual or Olfactory Stimulation that relay via the brainstem and pelvic splanic nerve bypassing the hypothalamus. Also, I am unaware of a hypothalamic lesion that alters the sexual orientation of a patient.

[Der_Neugierige]

I pretty sure sexual orientation is processed in the hypothalamus.

 

 

This is good to know for me.

Edited April 6, 2016 by Der_Neugierige

[StringJunky]

I pretty sure sexual orientation is processed in the hypothalamus

You might be 'sure', but Xalatan knows the current state of applicable knowledge. Evidence trumps gut feelings, every time.

[CharonY]

If you say that sexual orientation originates in the hypothalamus, then it is almost certainly wrong. Current research have demonstrated quite a number of brain differences associated with sexual orientation. Examples include assymmetric cerebral blood flow in heterosexual men and homosexual women, differences in amygdala connectivity, but also different activation of the anterior hypothalamus. Most likely the interplay of these and more components are required associated with either sexual orientation.

[Der_Neugierige]

Its generated in the hypothalamus, sorry.

Edited April 13, 2016 by Der_Neugierige

[Phi for All]

!

Moderator Note

Discussion should involve more than empty claims and simplistic denials. If you have no more room to learn, please don't post asking a question you're convinced you already know the answer to. This is a science forum. Please step up your game or the thread will be closed.