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{{jargon}}

'''Serotonin''' or '''5-Hydroxytryptamine''' (5-HT) is a [[neurotransmitter]] synthesized from the [[amino acid]] [[tryptophan]] and found in the [[central nervous system]], the gastrointestinal tract and [[platelets]].

'''Serotonin''' or '''5-Hydroxytryptamine''' (5-HT) is a [[neurotransmitter]] synthesized from the [[amino acid]] tryptophan in the [[central nervous system]] and the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is thought to play an important role in a number of physiological and psychological functions, including apetite, thermoregulation, sleep, alertness, and mood.  

Serotonin is thought to play an important role in a number of physiological and psychological functions, including regulation of [[mood]], vomiting, aggression, appetite, body temperature, sleep, and sexuality.  

Most of the body's serotonin is found within the gastrointestinal tract (nearly 80%). It is synthesized when an organism is exposed to light, promoting apetite. Excessive amounts of serotonin are collected by blood platelets found in veins near the gut. Serotonin deficiencies can be caused by excessive or undereating, as well as a lack of sunlight or if too much is collected by the platelets.

Most of the body's serotonin is found within the gastrointestinal tract (roughly 90%) and is secreted from enterochromaffin cells. The source of serotonin within the central nervous system is the [[Raphe Nuclei]] in the [[brainstem]]. It is posited that individuals deficient in serotonin are vulnerable to disorders such as clinical [[depression]], [[Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder]], [[anxiety|anxiety disorders]], [[bipolar disorder]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]], ear infections, and [[migraine]]s.{{fact}}  Consequently, medications that increase serotonergic activity in the brain are often used to treat these disorders. Examples include antidepressants such as [[monoamine oxidase inhibitors]] (MAOIs), [[Tricyclic anti-depressants]], and [[Selective-Serotonin-Reuptake-Inhibitors]] (SSRIs).{{fact}}

The source of serotonin within the CNS is the Raphe Nuclei in the brainstem.  

 

Deficiencies in serotonin are vulnerable to disorders such as clinical [[depression]], Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, [[anxiety|anxiety disorders]], [[bipolar disorder]], irritable bowel syndrome, ear infections, and [[migraine]]s. Also, an organism's activity cycle is affected, changing the organism's eating and sleeping habits. Consequently, medications such as antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain and are often used to treat these disorders in mammals.

 

1. Saladin's Anatomy & Physiology 5th Edition

[[Category:Anatomy]]

[[Category:Anatomy]]