What Is a Serotonin Neurotransmitter?

The human brain is like a complex computer, except our system has the capability to manufacture the materials needed for information to travel. Serotonin is a chemical that greatly influences how our system functions.

The Nervous System

• Neurons transmit messages to every muscle in the body.

  The nervous system is the network that enables us to feel, think and act. It operates using cells called neurons. Neurons receive and pass on informational signals in the form of chemical messages.

Serotonin

• Serotonin is involved in helping our body balance several key functions.

  One of the chemical messengers at work in our bodies is serotonin. Serotonin has been linked to numerous bodily functions including mood regulation, sleep regulation, appetite, pain perception, temperature regulation, memory and learning, blood pressure and hormonal activity.

Serotonin and Emotion

• Drinking milk can increase levels of serotonin.

  Serotonin can play a part in various mood disorders such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and uncontrollable anger. The phrase "chemical imbalance" is often employed in describing a biological explanation of these difficulties. The problem occurs when excess serotonin is sucked back up into the neuron (a process known as "reuptake") instead of staying available in the gap between neurons (the "synapse") so it can be utilized by surrounding neurons. Antidepressants are aptly named "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (SSRIs) due to their ability to slow the reuptake process.