What are cholinergic nerves?

Cholinergic nerves are nerves that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at their synapses. Acetylcholine is one of the two main neurotransmitters in the central and peripheral nervous systems (the other being dopamine).

Cholinergic nerves are involved in a variety of bodily functions, including:

- Muscle contraction

- Glandular secretion

- Heart rate regulation

- Bronchial constriction

- Gastrointestinal motility

- Pupil constriction

- Salivation

- Urination

- Defecation

Cholinergic nerves can be activated by a variety of stimuli, including electrical stimulation, mechanical stimulation, and chemical stimulation. When a cholinergic nerve is activated, it releases acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, causing the postsynaptic cell to fire an action potential.

Cholinergic nerves are an important part of the nervous system. They are involved in a variety of bodily functions and their dysfunction can lead to a number of diseases, including:

- Myasthenia gravis

- Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

- Alzheimer's disease

- Parkinson's disease

- Tourette's syndrome

- Schizophrenia