Nerve fibers Cholinergic [(Acetyl) Choline + Greek. Ergon Action]

Cholinergic nerve fibers are a type of nerve fibers whose endings release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

The term "cholinergic" comes from two words:

1. Choline is a chemical substance that is a precursor to acetylcholine.

2. Ergon (Greek) - action, work.

Thus, cholinergic fibers are those nerve fibers that use acetylcholine to transmit nerve impulses. Acetylcholine is produced at the endings of these fibers from choline by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase.

After being released into the synaptic cleft, acetylcholine interacts with the receptors of the postsynaptic membrane, causing its depolarization and the transmission of the nerve impulse further.

Cholinergic fibers are widely represented in the nervous system and play an important role in the transmission of excitation between neurons. They participate in the regulation of movements, memory, and vegetative functions of the body.

Nerve fibers of the cholinergic type are found in skeletal and smooth muscles, glandular organs, and the central nervous system. They are also found in the parasympathetic ganglins, where they play the role of transmitters of nerve impulses. In all cases, which include fibrous nerve structures with cholinergy, their function of releasing acetylcholine is manifested. Compared to adrenergic fibers, cholinergy is “presented” by the body more slowly. This is influenced by neurotransmitters: acetylcholine receptors are sensitive to temperature. Humoral regulatory mechanisms acting on adrenergic receptors are much faster. The place of greatest accumulation of thymus fibers is the brain. The stimulation they provide is concentrated in areas that control motor functions. These are the processes of muscle blinking, swallowing movements, saccadic reflexes. Stimulation of impulses in holimer cells in humans causes ecstasy, absent-mindedness, and increased heart rate.