The Science of Kissing

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Hawke
Posts: 427
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2004 1:00 pm

The Science of Kissing

Post by Hawke »

Continuing with the theme of timely posts, this post conveys information about the 'science' of kissing - how your body reacts. I've edited out a paragraph dealing with...certain...responses to keep this rated PG, but you can find the whole text of the article here. The article follows:

The science of kissing

Knight Ridder



A kiss isn't just a kiss.

Smooch. Snog. Tongue hockey. Lip lock.

Whatever you call it, two lips touching with a bit of pressure and tongue-wiggling have inspired myriad songs, poems and, ahem, newspaper articles.

Most of us picked up the basics of kissing in junior high, but our knowledge of the mechanics of this most enjoyable activity hasn't moved beyond first base.

We've provided a primer to get you up to speed on this amazing confluence of hormonal, circulatory and muscular activity.

What's first, brain or mouth? The mouth may be the place where the physical fun of kissing begins, but the brain is hard at work before the first smudge of lipstick. Reacting to sensory inputs, primarily from the eyes and nose, the brain and spinal cord set in motion a flurry of activity in the hypothalamus and adrenal glands. Their chemical activity spreads throughout the body, affecting almost every organ. Getting the mouth involved engages more muscles and stimulates increased chemical activity.

Eyes: A gaze from your lover can add to the excitement of a kiss by triggering memories and fantasies within the brain. Signals from the visual regions of the brain are transmitted to the hypothalamus, where they influence the start of sexual behavior. A quick peek at your partners peepers will let you know whether he or she is enjoying it: The pupils will dilate.

Nose: The nose senses pheromones from your partner, thus increasing or decreasing stimulation. (Some people are never going to smell good to you despite what the ads in certain tabloids might claim!) Most pheromones are blends of chemicals that must be released in precise amounts to function, and they target only members of the same species. Sex-specific smells can possibly raise or lower activity levels of neurons in the hypothalamus.

Adrenal glands: The thrill of kissing (or any exciting activity) is a major stimulus for these glands, which sit one atop each kidney. Working off chemical cues streaming through the spinal cord, the adrenals start producing and secreting norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline). Norepinephrine is found in the brain, especially the hypothalamus. Like Cupid with a couples quota, norepinephrine swishes around the brain, creating feelings of euphoria. Epinephrine increases heart rate and speeds breakdown of glycogen, the storage form of glucose, in the muscles and liver. [sentence deleted]

[paragraph deleted]

Sex organs: By now, your body has realized that you arent politely pecking Aunt Fanny. This can cause a host of sex-prep activities: the vulva, clitoris, penis and nipples fill with blood and become erect; testes draw closer to the body; and glands in the vagina secrete lubricant. Testosterone surges in men and in women. Some scientists suggest that testosterone contributes to feelings of well-being. In men and women, the hypothalamus monitors some aspects of testosterone production in the ovaries and testes.

Pancreas: To keep your energy from fading, extra sugar is being pumped into the blood from the breakdown of glycogen in the muscles and liver. The pancreas keeps blood sugars in balance through secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon.



Stomach: Endorphins might make your brain happy, but they can also set loose big butterflies in your tummy. Digestion is slowed so the body can focus on, uh, more pressing activities.

Skin: With the heart and lungs working hard, the skin can redden and become clammy. Sweating helps keep your system from overheating. Chemical messages and increased touching can alter skin sensitivity, which can result in tingling and tickling.

Circulatory system: Arteries and veins respond to the signals coming from your lips. Arteries convey blood into organs faster than the veins can carry it away. This can result in swelling, such as in the lips and genitalia.

Heart and lungs: Epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands cause the heart to beat faster and elevate the blood pressure. This allows more oxygen to be acquired. Breathing may become deep and irregular. During a kiss, the heart can sometimes beat twice as fast as normal. Endorphins can also cause the pulse to race.

There you have it...enjoy the Holiday!
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CARLA
Posts: 13033
Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2004 1:00 pm

The Science of Kissing

Post by CARLA »

Sure doesn't seem like its that much work when your engaged in KISSING.. ;)
ALOHA!!

MOTTO TO LIVE BY:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming.

WOO HOO!!, what a ride!!!"

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Lon
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Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2004 11:38 pm

The Science of Kissing

Post by Lon »

It's an art, not a science.
lady cop
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Joined: Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:00 pm

The Science of Kissing

Post by lady cop »

Lon wrote: It's an art, not a science.
YAAAAAAAAAY Lon! :yh_clap :yh_clap
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capt_buzzard
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Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2004 12:00 pm

The Science of Kissing

Post by capt_buzzard »

:-4 :yh_hugs Kiss Kiss
Bothwell
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Joined: Thu Nov 25, 2004 1:35 am

The Science of Kissing

Post by Bothwell »

Just pucker up and hang on for grim death, see why us Brits are rated as such great lovers :yh_liar
"I have done my duty. I thank God for it!"
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buttercup
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The Science of Kissing

Post by buttercup »

ah so that explains why kissing is so wonderful & has you in such a spin, there's so much going on :D
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minks
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Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:58 pm

The Science of Kissing

Post by minks »

from all the body parts it gets functioning I think it could be a great work out tactic hehehehe
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�

― Mae West
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capt_buzzard
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The Science of Kissing

Post by capt_buzzard »

Ask Colin Farrell:D If Bothwell doesn't mind. Lady Cop :-4 XX
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