Acetylcholine chloride
Acetylcholine chloride
Acetylcholine chloride (pronounced as a-set-il-KOH-leen KLOR-ide) is a chemical compound used in medicine. It is a type of neurotransmitter, which means it helps to transmit signals in the brain.
Etymology
The term "acetylcholine" is derived from its structure. It is made up of an acetyl group (from acetic acid) and a choline molecule. The "chloride" part of the name refers to the chloride ion that is part of the compound.
Use in Medicine
In medicine, acetylcholine chloride is used to stimulate the Parasympathetic nervous system. It is also used in eye surgery to make the pupil of the eye smaller.
Related Terms
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.
- Parasympathetic nervous system: One of the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Sometimes called the rest and digest system, the parasympathetic system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Acetic acid: A colourless liquid organic compound with the chemical formula CH3COOH. When undiluted, it is sometimes called glacial acetic acid.
- Choline: A basic constituent of lecithin that is found in many plants and animal organs. It is important as a precursor of acetylcholine, as a methyl donor in various metabolic processes, and in lipid metabolism.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acetylcholine chloride
- Wikipedia's article - Acetylcholine chloride
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