Discovery and Functions of Acetylcholine

Discovery and Functions of Acetylcholine Theories Biological Psychology Print Discovery and Functions of Acetylcholine By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD on October 09, 2019 Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Claudia Chaves, MD on October 09, 2019 PASIEKA / Science Photo Library / Getty Images More in Theories Biological Psychology Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Social Psychology Psychosocial Psychology Acetylcholine is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the human body, often abbreviated ACh. It is in found in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). It is one of the bodys most important neurotransmitters, which are chemicals used to transmit signals from one cell to another. The name acetylcholine is derived from its structure. It is a chemical compound made up of acetic acid and choline. Cholinergic synapses are those in which transmission is mediated by acetylcholine. Why Acetylcholine Is So Important Why is acetylcholine so important in the body? It serves a number of critical functions, many of which can be impaired by diseases or drugs that influence the function of this neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine 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 eyelash, all of the bodys movements involve the actions of this important neurotransmitter.It is also found in many brain neurons and plays an important role in mental processes such as memory and cognition. Severe depletion of acetylcholine is associated with Alzheimers disease.   Discovery Acetylcholine is not only the most common chemical messenger, but it was also the very first neurotransmitter to be identified. It was discovered by Henry Hallett Dale in 1914, and its existence was later confirmed by Otto Loewi. Both individuals were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in 1936 for their discovery. How Acetylcholine Functions in the Body Muscles In the peripheral nervous system, this neurotransmitter is a major part of the somatic nervous system and works to activate muscles. Within this system, it plays an excitatory role leading to the activation of muscles. Within the autonomic system, acetylcholine controls a number of functions by acting on preganglionic neurons in the ?sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. It is also the neurotransmitter released at all parasympathetic innervated organs, promoting contraction of smooth muscles, dilation of blood vessels, increased body secretions and a slower heart rate. Because acetylcholine plays an important role in muscle actions, drugs that influence this neurotransmitter can cause various degrees of movement disruption or even paralysis. For example, the brain might send out a signal to move the right arm. The signal is carried by nerve fibers to the neuromuscular junctions. The signal is transmitted across this junction by the acetylcholine neurotransmitter, triggering the desired response in those specific muscles. The Brain and Central Nervous System Acetylcholine also acts at various sites within the central nervous system where it can function as a neurotransmitter and as a neuromodulator. It plays a role in motivation, arousal, attention, learning, and memory ACH is also involved in promoting REM sleep. Critical cholinergic pathway deterioration  in the CNS has been associated with the onset of Alzheimers disease. Drugs and substances that interrupt acetylcholine function can have negative effects on the body and can even lead to death. Examples of such substances include some types of pesticides and nerve gasses. The venom of a black widow spider acts by causing the release of acetylcholine. When a person is bitten by a black widow, their acetylcholine levels rise dramatically, leading to severe muscle contractions, spasms, paralysis, and even death. A Word From Verywell Acetylcholine is a critical neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the normal function of the brain and body. Disruptions in the release and function of this neurotransmitter can result in significant problems in areas such as memory and movement. How to Treat Tremors From Antipsychotic Medications With Benztropine