Osmosis from Elsevier - Knowledge Shot: Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide acting as a neurotransmitter, released by the pituitary gland, and binds to receptors in the brain and body. It promotes positive social behaviors such as generosity, trust, and reduces fear, aiding recovery from negative social interactions. It is crucial for pair bonding in romantic relationships, enhancing mood and attachment, and is linked to sexual arousal and orgasms. Oxytocin also affects platonic relationships, increasing in humans and dogs after interaction. However, it can also lead to favoritism towards similar individuals, highlighting its complex role in social dynamics.
Key Points:
- Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter, influencing social behaviors.
- It enhances trust, generosity, and reduces fear, aiding in social recovery.
- Crucial for romantic bonding, it boosts mood, attachment, and sexual arousal.
- Increases in humans and dogs after positive interactions, affecting platonic bonds.
- Can cause bias towards similar individuals, showing its complex social role.