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Cholinergic Systems

Meaning

Cholinergic Systems refer to the extensive network of neural pathways and specific signaling mechanisms that primarily utilize acetylcholine as their principal neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is crucial for transmitting signals across synapses in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, significantly affecting vital cognitive functions like memory, attention, and learning, as well as autonomic functions such as heart rate and glandular secretion. These systems are integral to the neuroendocrine axis, providing a direct, essential link between nervous control and downstream hormonal output.