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A cholinergic neuron is a nerve cell which mainly uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) to send its messages. Many neurological systems are cholinergic.Cholinergic neurons provide the primary source of acetylcholine to the cerebral cortex, and promote cortical activation during both wakefulness and rapid eye movement sleep. [1]
In the parasympathetic division, neurons are cholinergic. That is to say acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter responsible for the communication between neurons on the parasympathetic pathway. In the sympathetic division, neurons are mostly adrenergic (that is, epinephrine and norepinephrine function as the primary neurotransmitters).
In the autonomic nervous system, nerve fibers from the central nervous system to the ganglion are known as preganglionic nerve fibers.All preganglionic fibers, whether they are in the sympathetic division or in the parasympathetic division, are cholinergic (that is, these fibers use acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter) and they are myelinated.
The importance of non-cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain structures has been shown in working together with the cholinergic neurons in a dynamically modulatory way. This is seen to play a significant role in cognitive functions. [2] Nitric oxide production in the basal forebrain is both necessary and sufficient to produce sleep. [5]
Myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.Therefore, the first stage of myelinogenesis is often defined as the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) or Schwann cell progenitors into their mature counterparts, [4] followed by myelin formation around axons.
These occur when a non-myelinating Schwann cell bundles the axons close together by surrounding them. [4] The Schwann cell keeps them from touching each other by squeezing its cytoplasm between the axons. [4] The condition of Remak bundles varies with age. [4] The number of C fiber axons in each Remak bundle varies with location. [3]
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The nucleus basalis in humans is a somewhat diffuse collection of large cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. [2] The main body of the nucleus basalis lies inferior to the anterior commissure and the globus pallidus , and lateral to the anterior hypothalamus in an area known as the substantia innominata . [ 1 ]