ACETYLCHOLINE Meaning and
Definition
-
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system. It is a chemical messenger that helps in transmitting signals between nerve cells (neurons) and from nerve cells to muscle cells. Acetylcholine is widely distributed throughout the body, particularly in the brain and the neuromuscular junctions.
In the central nervous system, acetylcholine is involved in various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and learning. It is essential for the proper functioning of the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for forming long-term memories. Additionally, acetylcholine is involved in regulating sleep cycles and promoting alertness.
At the neuromuscular junction, acetylcholine is released from the nerve endings and binds to receptors on the muscle cells, causing muscle contractions. This neurotransmitter is crucial for voluntary movements, as well as for the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and bladder control.
Imbalances in acetylcholine levels have been linked to various neurological and neuromuscular disorders. For instance, Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a significant decrease in acetylcholine levels in the brain, contributing to memory loss and cognitive decline. The understanding of acetylcholine's role in the nervous system has led to the development of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, which aim to increase acetylcholine levels in certain conditions to alleviate symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Common Misspellings for ACETYLCHOLINE
- zcetylcholine
- scetylcholine
- wcetylcholine
- qcetylcholine
- axetylcholine
- avetylcholine
- afetylcholine
- adetylcholine
- acwtylcholine
- acstylcholine
- acdtylcholine
- acrtylcholine
- ac4tylcholine
- ac3tylcholine
- acerylcholine
- acefylcholine
- acegylcholine
- aceyylcholine
- ace6ylcholine
- acetylchloine
- acetilcholine
- Acylcholine
Etymology of ACETYLCHOLINE
The word "acetylcholine" is derived from two components: "acetyl" and "choline".
"Acetyl" refers to the acetyl group, which is a chemical group composed of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The term "acetyl" comes from the Latin word "acetum", meaning vinegar, as acetyl groups were originally isolated from acetic acid (vinegar).
"Choline" is a nitrogenous organic compound that belongs to the class of amine compounds. The term "choline" was coined by the German chemist Adolph Strecker in 1862, deriving from the Greek word "chole" (meaning bile) and the suffix "-ine" (indicating that it is an amine). This is because choline was first discovered in bile.
Similar spelling words for ACETYLCHOLINE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
