PSYC 211 Lecture Notes - Lecture 34: Defeminization, Estrous Cycle, Rodent
16 Mar 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
When she is receptive, the female rat arches her back which elevates her hindquarters (lordosis) Although a passive participant, she is active in initiating copulation; she may entice by sniffing and nuzzling the males genitals and make quick, short hopping movements with rapid ear wiggles. Male rats are more responsive to a female rat in heat". Males will ignore females whose ovaries have been removed but injections of estradiol and progesterone will increase her attractiveness. Presenting and ear wiggle approach genital investigation mounting lordosis and intromission. Sexual behavior in male lab animals intromission (entry of penis into female vagina), pelvic thrusting (rhythmic movement of the hindquarters) and ejaculation (semen discharge) are characteristics of all male mammals. When a male rat encounters a receptive female, he will spend more time sniffing, nuzzling and licking her genitals, as well as mount her and engage in pelvic thrusting.
