Dictionary of Biological Psychology
A condition of MOTIVATION or DRIVE which persists independently of extra-neural stimuli.
In 1906 Sherrington (1857–1952) introduced the idea of a ‘central excitatory state’ to refer to the excitability of nerves which persisted for several milliseconds beyond the offset of stimulation. This term extends the concept to more complex behaviours, such as FEEDING and SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR It is suggested that extra-neural stimulation (HORMONES or external stimuli, for example) activate relevant neural circuits, so increasing their sensitivity to subsequent stimulation.
ERIC M.BOWMAN
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