Definition: Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in transmitting nerve impulses between neurons. It is named after the chemical acetyl, which is an amino acid that is found in many tissues including brain and muscle tissue. Acetylcholine is one of the two cholinesterase inhibitors that are released by the central nervous system (CNS) to facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses. Acetylcholine has a high affinity for its receptors on neurons, which are specialized cells that transmit neural signals between the body's different parts. The receptor site for acetylcholine is located in the postsynaptic neuron membrane where the neurotransmitter is released and it binds to an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholine then causes the enzyme acetylcholinesterase to break down acetylcholine, releasing its active form, which contains a choline moiety. This release of acetylcholine reduces neuronal excitability and facilitates muscle contraction. In summary, acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in transmitting nerve impulses between neurons and has the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, thereby facilitating muscle contractions.

acetylcholine

Definition: Acetylcholinesterase (ACH) is a protein enzyme found in the brain, where it plays a crucial role in neurotransmission. Its action is to break down acetylcholine molecules, which are responsible for transmitting signals between neurons. The definition of ACH is: Acetylcholinesterase: This enzyme is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine (ACh) molecules, which transmit electrical signals between neurons. It's a protein enzyme found in the brain where it plays a vital role in neurotransmission, helping to transmit and receive information between nerve cells.

acetylcholinesterase