glossary

acetylcholine

Definition acetylcholine

acetylcholine

acetylcholine n. the acetic acid and ester of the organic base of choline: the *neuro-transmitter released at the synapses of parasympathetic nerves and at *neuro-muscular junctions. After relaying a nerve impulse, acetylcholine is rapidly broken down by the enzyme *cholinesterase. *Atropine and curare cause muscular paralysis by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscle membranes; *physostigmine prolongs the activity of acetylcholine by blocking cholinesterase.