Kissing is a common way to show love and affection, but it also affects our bodies in many ways. When we kiss, our breathing can change and become deeper or faster, and our heart may start to race. Our pupils can also dilate, which is why people often close their eyes. There are three main sensations during a kiss: touch, taste, and smell. Our lips are very sensitive, with more nerve endings than almost any other part of the body. Every person has a unique taste, and some people can recognize tastes better than others. Smell also plays a role: kisses can have different smells, sometimes described as pleasant. Scientists believe kissing is connected to our earliest experiences as infants, like being kissed by parents or nursing. These experiences create neural pathways in the brain, linking lip stimulation with feelings of love, security, and happiness. Later in life, we use kissing to express these emotions.
Vocabulary:
• pupil (noun): the black circular part in the center of the eye that controls how much light enters.
• dilate (verb): to become wider or larger, especially in reference to eyes or blood vessels.
• neuron (noun): a nerve cell that sends information in the brain and body.
• stimulation (noun): the act of activating or encouraging a response in the body or brain.
• neural pathway (noun): connections in the brain that carry information and create habits or memories.
• infant (noun): a very young child or baby.
• affection (noun): a feeling of love or liking someone.