Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter and neuromodulator that plays crucial roles in regulating mood, emotion, cognition, sleep, appetite, and various physiological processes in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues. Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan and is widely distributed throughout the body, with the majority of serotonin produced in the enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract and the ... In this primer, Ligneul and Mainen delve into the multifaceted nature of the brain’s serotonin system, detailing essential characteristics of serotonin signaling, its critical role in behavior regulation, its contribution to mental health and diseases, and its evolutionary significance. Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter with an integral physiological role in the human body; it regulates various activities, including behavior, mood, memory, and gastrointestinal homeostasis. Serotonin sends signals between nerve cells. It may help regulate many body functions, including mood, bowel movements, and sleep. Some medications help boost serotonin levels and improve mood.
