Cholinergic Neurotransmitters refer specifically to acetylcholine (ACh), a key chemical messenger used by certain neurons to communicate with each other or with muscle cells.
These neurons are called cholinergic neurons because they release acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter.
Function and Importance
Acetylcholine is involved in various physiological functions depending on where in the body it’s acting:
In the Central Nervous System (CNS): It’s important for learning, memory, attention, and arousal.
In the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
In the somatic nervous system, it stimulates skeletal muscle contraction.
In the autonomic nervous system, it:
Acts on all preganglionic neurons (both sympathetic and parasympathetic).
Acts on postganglionic parasympathetic neurons.
In a few cases, it acts on postganglionic sympathetic neurons (like sweat glands).