Medical term:

5-hydroxytryptamine

serotonin

[ser″o-to´nin]

a hormone and neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), found in many tissues, including blood platelets, intestinal mucosa, pineal body, and central nervous system; it has many physiologic properties, including inhibition of gastric secretion, stimulation of smooth muscles, and production of vasoconstriction.

ser·o·to·nin

(ser'ō-tō'nin),

A vasoconstrictor, liberated by blood platelets, that inhibits gastric secretion and stimulates smooth muscle; present in relatively high concentrations in some areas of the central nervous system (hypothalamus, basal ganglia), and occurring in many peripheral tissues and cells and in carcinoid tumors.

Synonym(s): 5-hydroxytryptamine, enteramine, thrombocytin, thrombotonin

[sero- + G. tonos, tone, tension, + -in]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

ser·o·to·nin

(ser'ŏ-tō'nin)

A vasoconstrictor, liberated by platelets; inhibits gastric secretion and stimulates smooth muscle; also acts as a neurotransmitter; present in the central nervous system, many peripheral tissues and cells, and carcinoid tumors.
Synonym(s): 5-hydroxytryptamine.

[L. serum + G. tonos, tone, tension, + -in]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012