Kissing is an important part of human social interactions, both physically and psychologically. It can convey love, affection, attraction, appreciation, and other emotions that are difficult to express through words alone. When people kiss, they activate a variety of physical processes in their bodies, including increased heart rate, faster breathing, and increased production of feel-good hormones like oxytocin. However, there is another interesting aspect of kissing that few people know about - the activation of 29 facial muscles and increase in saliva production.
During a kiss, a person's face undergoes significant changes, starting from when they lean forward for a peck. The lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw all come into play as the partners touch each other's mouths. This activity involves a wide range of facial muscles, some of which are not used regularly in everyday life. For example, the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle, which lifts the upper lip and nostrils, is particularly active during a kiss. Other muscles involved include the zygomaticus major, which pulls the corners of the mouth upwards; the orbicularis oris, which forms the smile; and the buccinators, which close the mouth. Kissing also leads to an increase in saliva production, which helps lubricate the lips and keep them moist throughout the process.
The combination of these activities results in intense feelings of intimacy and pleasure for many people. This is because kissing stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation. Dopamine makes us feel good and encourages us to repeat behaviors that make us feel this way. Additionally, it can be a form of nonverbal communication, allowing partners to express their emotions without words. In fact, research has shown that couples who engage in more frequent kissing have stronger relationships and higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
Overall, kissing is an important part of human interactions that activates a variety of physical processes in our bodies. It may even lead to increased connection and better relationships between partners.