Acetylcholine (ACh) is is a chemical that plays an important role in many different body functions. It is a neurotransmitter that communicates signals between neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Acetylcholine serves a number of critical functions, many of which can be impaired by diseases or drugs that influence the function of this neurotransmitter. The name acetylcholine is derived from its structure. It is a chemical compound made up of acetic acid and choline.
This article discusses how acetylcholine functions in the body as well as how it is produced. It also covers what can happen when acetylcholine function is impaired.Acetylcholine has numerous functions in the body. It can be found in all motor neurons, where it stimulates muscles to contract. From the movements of the stomach and heart to the blink of an eye, all of the body’s movements involve the actions of this important neurotransmitter.
It is also found in many brain neurons and plays a vital role in mental processes and human behaviors, such as memory and cognition. Acetylcholine is also involved in attention, arousal, neuroplasticity, and REM sleep.
Some cells of the body have what are known as cholinergic synapses. These synapses convert an electrical signal into acetylcholine, which then interacts with acetylcholine receptors on the other side of the synapse to trigger another electrical signal.