Put your back into it

 

This is research, folks.

Reference: Lenschow C, Mendes ARP, Ferreira L, et al. A galanin-positive population of lumbar spinal cord neurons modulates sexual arousal and copulatory behavior in male mice. Nature Communications 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-63877-2

But what does it mean, you ask?

The Spinal Circuit Is Not Only Involved in Ejaculation but Also in Arousal

Yes, that does sound interesting.  Let's find out a little more.

We can skip over the details of the research with the mice. Here's the take-home message:

"Although it was previously believed that the brain commands and the spinal cord only reacts, the team has shown that the spinal cord appears to play an active role, weighing genital input, arousal and brain signals in real time.

“The spinal cord isn’t just a passive relay station executing brain commands. It integrates sensory inputs, responds to arousal and adjusts its output based on the animal’s internal state. It’s much more sophisticated than we imagined,” said Lima.

But wait, why did they study mice?  I can answer that.

"In male mice, ejaculation follows repeated mounting and thrusting, resembling the gradual sexual buildup seen in many mammals, including humans. Mice may therefore offer a more relevant model for studying how arousal, sensory feedback and motor output are integrated."

That's why.  So, straighten your spine, and other organs may follow.