Serotonergic
Serotonergic
Serotonergic (pronunciation: /ˌsɛrəˌtoʊˈnɜːrdʒɪk/) refers to the neurons or neurotransmitters that use serotonin as their primary neurotransmitter. The term is derived from the words "serotonin", a neurotransmitter, and "-ergic", a suffix used in neurobiology that refers to a substance's capability to interact with a specific neural substance.
Serotonergic neurons have a high concentration in the raphe nuclei in the brainstem. These neurons project axons to many different parts of the brain, including the cerebral cortex. The serotonergic system is involved in various brain functions such as mood regulation, sleep regulation, and appetite.
Serotonergic action is linked to a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Many psychiatric drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), work by altering the function of the serotonergic system.
Related Terms
- Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, blood platelets, and the central nervous system of animals and humans. It is popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.
- Neuron: Also known as nerve cells, neurons are the primary components of the nervous system. They are responsible for receiving sensory input from the external world, sending motor commands to our muscles, and transforming and relaying the electrical signals at every step in between.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
- Raphe nuclei: The raphe nuclei are a moderate-size cluster of nuclei found in the brain stem. They release serotonin to the rest of the brain.
- Cerebral cortex: The outer layer of the cerebrum, composed of folded gray matter and playing an important role in consciousness.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): A class of drugs that are typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): A class of antidepressant drugs that treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic pain conditions, and some hormone-mediated disorders.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Serotonergic
- Wikipedia's article - Serotonergic
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