Serotonin is commonly known as the hormone of happiness. It is produced in the Raphe nuclei through hydroxylation and decarboxylation of tryptophan, and the axons of the raphe nuclei form an extensive network of serotonergic pathways throughout the central nervous system. Serotonin plays several important roles, including inhibiting pain sensation, regulating mood and appetite, inducing non-REM sleep, increasing blood pressure through vasoconstriction, influencing cognitive functions like learning and memory, and affecting libido.
1. SEROTONIN
5-Hydroxytryptamine(5HT)
Is commonly known as hormone of happiness.
It is produced in the Raphe nuclei by hydroxylation and decarboxylation of tryptophan.
The axons of raphe nuclei form an extensive network of serotonergic pathways to every
part of cns.
2.
3. Roles of the serotonin in the body;
• Serotonin is an inhibitory substance, inhibits impulses of pain sensation in the
posterior gray horn of the spinal cord.
• Serotonin regulates mood, appetite and induces non-REM.
• Serotonin increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction.
• Serotonin plays cognitive roles such as learning and memory.
• Lastly serotonin influences libido as high levels of serotonin is associated with
a low libido and the reverse is true.
