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cholinergic vs. anticholinergic

cholinergic vs. anticholinergic: What's the difference?

Cholinergic and anticholinergic refer to types of substances that have opposing effects. A cholinergic substance resembles acetylcholine in action, transmitting nerve impulses across synapses and causing muscle action. An anticholinergic substance interferes with acetylcholine, interfering with parasympathetic nerve impulses and inhibiting muscle action.

[ koh-luh-nur-jik, kol-uh- ]
adjective
  1. resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action.
  2. stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound.
[ an-ti-koh-luh-nur-jik, -kol-uh- ]

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