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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]
Acetylcholine (ACh) is an organic compound that functions in the brain and body of many types of animals (including humans) as a neurotransmitter. [1] Its name is derived from its chemical structure: it is an ester of acetic acid and choline. [2] Parts in the body that use or are affected by acetylcholine are referred to as cholinergic.
Cholinergic agents are compounds which mimic the action of acetylcholine and/or butyrylcholine. [1] In general, the word " choline " describes the various quaternary ammonium salts containing the N , N , N -trimethylethanolammonium cation .
The synapse is the primary unit of information transfer in the nervous system, and correct synaptic contact creation during development is essential for normal brain function. Genetic mutations can disrupt synapse formation and function, contributing to the development of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. [46]
It is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine and some other choline esters that function as neurotransmitters: acetylcholine + H 2 O = choline + acetate. It is found at mainly neuromuscular junctions and in chemical synapses of the cholinergic type, where its activity serves to terminate cholinergic synaptic transmission.
Nicotinic receptors can also be found in different synaptic locations; for example the muscle nicotinic receptor always functions post-synaptically. The neuronal forms of the receptor can be found both post-synaptically (involved in classical neurotransmission) and pre-synaptically [ 34 ] where they can influence the release of multiple ...
Animation showing the function of a chemical synapse. There are two different kinds of synapses present within the human brain: chemical and electrical. Chemical synapses are by far the most prevalent and are the main player involved in excitatory synapses.
The events of the synaptic vesicle cycle can be divided into a few key steps: [10] 1. Trafficking to the synapse. Synaptic vesicle components in the presynaptic neuron are initially trafficked to the synapse using members of the kinesin motor family. In C. elegans the major motor for synaptic vesicles is UNC-104. [11]