acetylcholine

[ə-ˌse-təl-ˈkō-lēn]
noun
acetilcolina
1. A neurotransmitter in the nervous system that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction, parasympathetic nervous system function, and cognitive processes such as memory and attention.
Acetylcholine is released at the neuromuscular junction to trigger muscle contraction.
A acetilcolina é liberada na junção neuromuscular para desencadear a contração muscular.
2. A chemical compound (C₇H₁₆NO₂) produced in the body that acts as a signaling molecule between nerve cells and between nerves and muscles.
Low levels of acetylcholine in the brain are associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Níveis baixos de acetilcolina no cérebro estão associados à doença de Alzheimer.
Acetylcholine is a fundamental term in neuroscience and medical education in both Brazil and the United States. In Brazil, research on acetylcholine and neurotransmitter disorders is prominent in major medical centers in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The term is used identically in Portuguese and English scientific literature, making it one of the standardized international medical terminologies.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
AChcholine ester

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
acetilcolina
Standard term used in medical and scientific contexts across Brazil
Portugal
acetilcolina
Same term used in Portuguese medical literature and education
USA
acetylcholine
Standard English term used in neuroscience, medicine, and pharmacology

Related Words

neurotransmittercholinergicacetylcholinesterasenicotinic receptormuscarinic receptor
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →