A little bit about Oxytocin:
Oxytocin was discovered in early 1906 by Sir Henry Hallett Dale, a British pharmacologist.
He confirmed that the “substance” was found in the brain and secretes through the 
Pituitary Gland and was helpful for labour contractions. Several years later, researchers Ott and Scott found out that it promoted lactation at birth. It was then revealed during 1970’s that oxytocin-producing neurons send signals throughout the brain, suggesting that the hormone had a role in regulating behaviour. It facilitated social connections, bonding, maternal behavior, and the sense of well – being. This is the reason media attention nowadays refers to oxytocin as the “love hormone”, “cuddle hormone” or “moral molecule”.
How does Oxytocin work?
Neuroscientists are amazed at how oxytocin works because not only does it receive but it also sends information. It has two functions; it acts as a hormone and brain neuro-transmitter. Primarily, oxytocin is a protein based molecular substance produced in the hypothalamus. Wherever blood circulates in the body, oxytocin regulates the arousal level of our nervous system. By means of touching, hugging, snuggling, holding hands, partner dancing, and 
other body work, oxytocin is released in our body so that we can respond to the person who’s hugging or holding us. Even if one were to think about someone they love, the brain will automatically process information and activate the release of oxytocin. That’s how fast oxytocin works!
Why is Oxytocin Important?
The Oxytocin molecule helps us for social recognition, pair bonding, and maternal behavior, mental disorder. This molecule does have therapeutic value; emotionally, physically, and psychologically. It is safe to say that it can treat disorders that affect people’s ability to interact and relate to one another like autism, social anxiety and schizophrenia. The importance of Oxytocin has been discussed as a molecule that makes us “human”. The ability to socialize, trust, love, and create intimacy is a key part of human nature.
Make your own molecular model of Oxytocin or any of the other chemicals mentioned on this page using our 3D Molecular Model Builder.
