- cholinergic
- Relating to nerve cells or fibers that employ acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter. Cf.:adrenergic. [choline + G. ergon, work]
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cho·lin·er·gic .kō-lə-'nər-jik adj1) of autonomic nerve fibers liberating, activated by, or involving acetylcholine compare ADRENERGIC (1), NORADRENERGIC2) resembling acetylcholine esp. in physiological action <a \cholinergic drug>cho·lin·er·gi·cal·ly -ji-k(ə-)lē adv* * *
adj.1. describing nerve fibres that release acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter.2. describing receptor at which acetylcholine acts to pass on messages from cholinergic nerve fibres.3. describing drugs that mimic the actions of acetylcholine (see parasympathomimetic). Compare adrenergic.* * *
cho·lin·er·gic (ko″lin-urґjik) 1. stimulated, activated, or transmitted by choline (acetylcholine): a term applied to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers that liberate acetylcholine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes. See also under receptor. 2. an agent that produces such effects. Called also parasympathomimetic. Cf. adrenergic.
Medical dictionary. 2011.