serotonergic system
The serotonergic system refers to the network of neurons that produce and use the neurotransmitter serotonin. This system plays a crucial role in regulating various functions in the body, including mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. It is primarily located in the brainstem and extends throughout the central nervous system.
Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan and is involved in many physiological processes. Dysregulation of the serotonergic system is linked to several mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Medications that target this system, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly used to treat these conditions.