Dictionary of Biological Psychology
(ACh) Acetylcholine is a small-molecule NEUROTRANSMITTER synthesized from ACETYL COENZYME A and CHOLINE. The term CHOLINERGIC is used to describe a neuron that contains acetylcholine.
The synaptic (see SYNAPSE) action of ACh is mediated by muscarinic and NICOTINIC ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTORS, and unbound ACh is inactivated by ACETYLOCHLINESTERASE. ACh is used as a transmitter by all somatic MOTOR NEURONS as well as a subpopulation of autonomic neurons. Main cholinergic cell groups in the brain include neurons in the BASAL FOREBRAIN projecting to the CORTEX, neurons in the MESOPONTINE tegmentum innervating the THALAMUS and BRAINSTEM, and the large interneurons in the striatum. The cholinergic projection neurons are implicated in LEARNING, MEMORY, ATTENTION, AROUSAL and REM SLEEP.
See also: Ch1–Ch8
KAZUE SEMBA
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