Acetylcholine (ACh)

Definition

A type of neurotransmitter involved in many functions including muscle stimulation, memory formation and learning.

Analogy

Consider Acetylcholine as a mail carrier delivering important letters (signals) from one house (neuron) to another. Without the mail carrier, the letters wouldn't reach their destination and communication would be disrupted.

Related terms

Cholinergic Neurons: These are neurons that primarily use acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter.

Neuromuscular Junction: This is a synapse between a motor neuron and skeletal muscle where acetylcholine plays a key role in muscle contraction.

Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Acetylcholine levels are often found to be significantly reduced in Alzheimer's patients.