Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help communicate information between neurons.  The chemicals are released from one neuron at the terminal end bulb.  The neurotransmitters then cross the synapse which is a gap between two neurons.  They are accepted by the next neuron at the dendrite receptor.

Neurotransmitters?What are they?

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eLIZZIE THIBAULTJANE FEELYEMILY IANNAZZOMOLLY ADAMKELSEY V.

Do you know what the function is of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine? In the central nervous system, acetylcholine is found primarily in interneurons, which transmit impulses to other neurons as part of a reflex, and it is involved in learning, memory, and mood. It also enhances our senses when we wake up, modulates our sense of

reward, and allows us to pay attention. In the peripheral nervous system, acetylcholine is primarily involved in skeletal muscle movement, and the regulation of smooth and cardiac muscle. It can initiate muscle contraction by opening gated sodium channels in the cell membrane. It also regulates cardiac muscle by inhibiting the contraction of cardiac muscle. So, acetylcholine can be both excitatory and inhibitory. It is involved in the contraction of skeletal muscle, meaning it can be

excitatory. However, it also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter when it inhibits the contraction of skeletal muscle.

Extra Links:YouTube Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyoySswpvso

Further Information:http://acetylcholine.org/

Acetylcholine’s main use is for controlling sensory input signals and muscular control.

Acetylcholine:

Interesting Facts:

1. Researchers have studied if nicotine lowers the risk of Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Disease happens when dopamine in the brain is less than acetylcholine and nicotine decreases the acetylcholine levels.

2. It has a short half-life and span of movement because it is rapidly destroyed by acetylcholinesterase. Its activity can be blocked by atropine at intersecting nerve fibers. It is a stimulant for some cranial nerves and the autonomic nervous system. It can be used as a vasodilator (dilates blood vessels) and as a cardiac depressant. Acetylcholine is also used therapeutically during eye surgery and can help certain circulatory disorders but only limitedly because of its short half-life.

3. Anticholinesterases (also known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) prevent the destruction of acetylcholine and allow high levels of the neurotransmitter to build up. In doing so, they stimulate the Peripheral Nervous System, which lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, increases secretion, and causes muscles to contract.

Related DiseasesAlzheimer’s, which includes a loss of acetylcholine, causes memory loss and attention difficulty.Myasthenic syndrome is associated with a acetylcholine receptor deficiency.

The Parts of the Body Acetylcholine Affects

Acetylcholine is one of the neurotransmitters that controls brain functions.  It determines how your brain works and how hard it working.  Located in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, Acetylcholine controls muscle movement so it affects all types of muscle, the part of brain that controls short-term memory, sweat glands, and our excitability system.  The short-term memory is most important when people are looking at the effects of Dementia.  Loss of short-term memory is one of the first signs of Dementia because Acetylcholine plays a vital role in the ability of remembering and forming short-term memories.  

Too Much, Too Little?People that have large

amounts of Acetylcholine in their bodies are usually more creative, more sensory oriented, and are open to trying new things and new ideas.  Counselors, instructors, artists, writers, and actors are likely to have acetylcholine natures. If there is a large shortage of Acetylcholine people often have disabilities like ADD or ADHD, osteoarthritis, stress disorders, bipolar disorder, or the development of serious diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.  If someone is looking to increase their amounts of Acetylcholine they can simply take a supplement or change their diet to foods such as: egg yolks, pork, lean ground beef, shrimp, peanut butter, almonds, skim milk, or low-fat cheeses or yogurt. If there is too much Acetylcholine it can cause muscle spasms.

Acetylcholine plays an important role in memory.