In this video I discuss what is serotonin and some of the functions of serotonin in the body, and functions of serotonin in the brain. The serotonin neurotransmitter plays a part in digestion, blood vessel repair and many other roles in the body.





Transcript (partial with notes)

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, meaning that it is a chemical messenger that communicates information throughout your brain and body. It is primarily found in the central nervous system, blood platelets and the digestive tract.

Serotonin has many important functions in the body. In the digestive tract, it helps with contraction of intestinal muscles, helping food move through the system. It can also act on gut nerves, signaling pain and nausea.

If there are irritants in the food, more serotonin is released, which moves the food faster, leading to diarrhea. This process also can also induce vomiting.

Serotonin is also stored in platelets, when a vessel gets damaged, platelets arrive blocking the breakage, and they release serotonin which helps trigger the vessel to narrow, thus stopping or slowing the loss.

Serotonin is believed to contribute to feelings of well being and happiness, and it may affect sleep and appetite as well. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to poor emotions.

Timestamps
0:00 What is serotonin?
0:15 Functions of serotonin in the body
0:37 Serotonin in blood platelets
0:50 Serotonin and emotions