Cholinergic system

Definition

The cholinergic system is a component of the nervous system that uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter to communicate between neurons. It plays critical roles in functions such as muscle movement, heart rate, memory, and the regulation of endocrine system activity.

Related terms

Acetylcholine:

A neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems that signals muscles to become active and is involved in brain functions like memory.

Neurotransmitter:

Chemical substances that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another target neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Synapse:

The junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle/gland cell, where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted