Acetylcholine is used throughout the nervous system at skeletal neuromuscular junctions, and within the central nervous system1. In the CNS, Acetylcholine acts mainly via muscarinic (metabotropic) and nicotinic (ionotropic) receptors.1,2

Acetylcholine is synthesized in nerve terminals from acetyl coenzyme A (produced from glucose) and choline.1 Acetylcholine is removed from the synapse by AChE.1

Involved in memory and attention within the brain and muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction.1,2

file_download Download in HQ

Related content

image Image Diagram of the olfactory system showing odor detection in the nasal cavity and projections to brain regions.
The olfactory system

The olfactory system detects airborne odor molecules in the nasal cavity and transmits this information to the olfactory bulb. From there, signals are relayed to several brain regions involved in smell perception, memory, emotion, and behaviour.

02.06.2026 Fundamentals of Neurobiology
image Image Diagram of the gustatory pathway from the tongue to the gustatory cortex via brainstem and thalamic nuclei.
The gustatory (taste) system

The gustatory system detects taste stimuli on the tongue and relays this information through brainstem and thalamic pathways to the gustatory cortex.

02.06.2026 Fundamentals of Neurobiology
image Image Diagram showing brain and spinal cord structures involved in planning, coordinating, and controlling movement.
Neural structures involved in the control of movement

Movement is controlled by a network of brain and spinal cord structures that work together to plan, initiate, coordinate, and execute actions.

02.06.2026 Fundamentals of Neurobiology