What Is Serotonin And What Does It Do?

Overview

You must have heard the word “serotonin” thrown around either by doctors, or by science geeks or on the internet a lot recently. So what is this serotonin and what does it do? In this article, let’s find out with the help of a leading neurologist in Patna, Bihar working at a super-speciality neuro hospital there.

Serotonin is actually a chemical that has a wide variety of functions in the human body. It is sometimes called the happy chemical, because it contributes to well being and happiness.It is mainly found in the brain, bowels, and blood platelets. It is used to transmit messages between nerve cells, and is thought to be active in constricting smooth muscles, among other things. As the precursor for melatonin, it helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycles and the internal clock.It is thought to play a role in appetite, the emotions, and motor, cognitive, and autonomic functions.

Functions

According to the neurologist doctor in Patna(one of the best neurologist in India), serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which relays signals between nerve cells, or neurons, regulating their intensity. Thus, serotonin influences most brain cells both directly and indirectly. Its functions include:

• Bowel function:

Most of the body's serotonin is found in the GI tract, where it regulates bowel function and movements. It also plays a part in reducing the appetite while eating.

• Mood:

In the brain, serotonin impacts levels of mood, anxiety, and happiness.

• Clotting:

Serotonin contributes to the formation of blood clots. It is released by platelets when there is a wound. The resulting vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, reduces blood flow and helps blood clots to form.

• Nausea:

If you eat something that is toxic or irritating, the gut produces more serotonin to increase transit time and expel the irritant in diarrhoea. This also stimulates the nausea area in the brain, resulting in nausea.

• Bone density:

Some scientists have linked high levels of serotonin in the bones to an increase in osteoporosis, but others have challenged these results.

• Sexual function:

Serotonin appears to inhibit sexual activity. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) boost serotonin levels in people with depression, but between 20 and 70 percent of people who take them experience a range of symptoms related to sexual dysfunction.

If you would like to fix an appointment with the neuro physician in Patna, you can do so at the website of the hospital in Patna where he works. You can also visit the hospital directly, which is located at NH 30, Bailey Road, Raja Bazar in Patna.