How the Brain Works The Facts Visually Explained by DK (z-lib.org)

Sex and Love

Sexual reproduction is fundamental

to passing on our genes. Multiple

emotions evolved that accompany and

facilitate this process, which together

can create the feeling of love.

Love and attraction

The scientific study of love and sexual

behavior has identified three primary

components: attraction, attachment, and lust.

These states all occur on different timescales

and involve different regions of the brain

producing an array of chemical messengers—

neurotransmitters and hormones. Lust and

attraction are closely interlinked, and both are

transient, passing in a relatively short time.

For relationships to last, these states must

yield profound attachment, which involves

long-term changes to the brain.

Oxytocin, which is released by the hypothalamus,

has long been known as the hormone that

induces labor in mammals.

It was then found to be

crucial for mother-offspring

bonding and later to

be central to forming

long-term attachments

in sexual and social

relationships.

THE LOVE DRUG

Attraction

Surges of the chemical messengers dopamine

and noradrenaline combine with reduced levels

of serotonin to produce urgent feelings of

attraction. In an energized state—with racing

heart, sweaty palms, and little appetite—we think

constantly about our lover, craving their company.

Brain areas

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control early

hormone-led phases of bonding. The prefrontal cortex then

mediates the emotional control involved in attachment.

Brain

produces

dopamine

Reward

pathway in

brain triggered

Feelings of

excitement

and euphoria

DOPAMINE

Brain produces

noradrenaline

Noradrenaline

levels increased Energy levels

increased,

heart races,

appetite

decreased,

insomnia

NORA

DRENALINE

Brain

produces

Serotonin less serotonin

levels

reduced

Loss of

appetite,

insomnia,

feelings of

obsession

SEROTONIN

OXYTOCIN

VASOPRESSIN

KEY

Prefrontal cortex

Hypothalmus

Pituitary gland

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