A naturally occurring quaternary ammonium cation ester, with the formula CH3(O)COC2H4N(CH)3+, that plays a prominent role in nervous system function. The great importance of acetylcholine derives from its role as a neurotransmitter for cholinergic neurons, which innervate many tissues, including smooth muscle and skeletal muscle, the heart, ganglia, and glands. The effect of stimulating a