Neurophysiology of Philematology and Some Infectious Disease

Abstract

The scientific studying of kissing is known as Philematology. This originates from the Greek word PHILOS in the ancient days meaning earthly. The study of kissing shows you what kissing means and its place in various cultures. (Lana Citron 2010, a Compendium of Kisses), and the difference between Simple Kiss versus Passionate kiss. In simple kisses only 2 muscles are involved. While in passionate kisses there may be about 23 - 34 facial muscles and 112 postural muscles involved. What you can tell from even the simplest of kisses. From the book I Love You. Now What? During kissing, a lot of chemical reactions take place in the brain and the body as a whole. The part of the brain in which these chemicals are secreted is the pituitary gland, where oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine are secreted. The oxytocin which is also sometimes referred to as the cuddle hormone or the love hormone aids in social bonding. It is produced in the hypothalamus and secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin is released when the cells are excited. Oxytocin can also be referred to aid carbetocin, manufactured version, Pitocin, alpha-hypophamine and syntocinon. It is a team player in social behaviour and mother-infant bonding. The serotonin which is also known as a “happy hormone” is an important chemical and a neurotransmitter in the human body serves as a hormonal modulator that is serotonin aids regulating an individual kissing pattern, sleeping pattern, aggressive pattern, appetite and digestion pattern, memory and mood pattern and sexual pattern. Finally, the dopamine which is also known as a “happy hormone” is a monoamine neurotransmitter which belongs to the catecholamine family that is made up of epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. This dopamine helps an individual to enjoy the act of kissing.