Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the chemical of love
When we are feeling "love", our brains release oxytocin and create downstream reactions that result in strong memories that strengthens bonding. Humans release oxytocin in a number of "love" making relationships, from petting our furry family members to engaging in deep conversation with friends.
Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and secreted from the posterior pituitary gland.
Hormones are large signaling molecules that travel around the body, and have secondary affects on multiple organs and systems. The endocrine system regulates a lot of hormones, including oxytocin. Oxytocin can affect mood, appetite, and even metabolism.
Luna sitting in the sun
Humans release small amounts of oxytocin when we show affection to our pets, and visa versa.
Doctors have found that mutual gazing between humans and their dogs increases the owners’ oxytocin levels. This helps decrease anxiety and arousal levels, and slow the heart rate. The positive interaction between humans and dogs via mutual gazing may reduce stress activity for each other (Washington Post, 2016)
Oxytocin makes us instantly bond with those that we have intimate physical relations with, but be warned, this "love" is not all it takes to have a healthy and long lasting relationship.
According to one statistician, only 2% of marriages are to high school sweethearts, and only 54% of high-school sweetheart marriages last 10+ years. Don't fret if your first relationship doesn't work out. (Gaille, 2021)
Only 2% of high-school wed couples earn a college degree; love yourself first! (Gaille, 2021)
Ionic Bonds also fall in love...kind of.
Ionic bonds occur between a metal and a nonmetal. For example, Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) form an ionic bond. Sodium gives its 1 valence electron to Chlorine so that Chlorine forms a complete shell (meaning it has 8 valence electrons in its outer shell).
Ionic Bonds are formed when there is a large electronegativity difference between the elements participating in the bond. The greater the difference, the stronger the attraction between the positive ion (cation) and negative ion (anion).
When a mother gives birth, they release huge amounts of oxytocin.
"The hormone causes uterine contractions during labor and helps shrink the uterus after delivery. When an infant suckles at his or her mother's breast, the stimulation causes a release of oxytocin, which, in turn, orders the body to "let down" milk for the baby to drink.
Dads who got a boost of oxytocin via a nasal spray played more closely with their 5-month-old babies than dads who didn't get the hormone zap, a 2012 study found." (LiveScience, 2015)
My Oxytocin (10 pts)
(5 pts) Go to molview.org, and load up the molecule "Oxytocin". Using the create molecules feature, make a "I love you" banner in atoms. Try to follow bonding rules (Carbon has 4 bonds, Oxygen has 2 bonds, Halogens have 1 bond) and take a picture of your finished picture!
