Cholinergic

Definition

Cholinergic refers to cells or receptors that use acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter. These are prevalent in the divisions of the autonomic nervous system, influencing various bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.

Related terms

Acetylcholine:

A neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems that plays a crucial role in muscle activation and many other physiological processes.

Autonomic Nervous System:

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions of the muscles and glands, including two main divisions - sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Neurotransmitter:

Chemical substances released by neurons to transmit signals across a synapse to another neuron or target receptor