Nicotine

Nicotine and the brain 3

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that communicates between neurons and muscles. It is secreted by the spinal cord and the brain stem, and it sets your muscles in motion.

Acetylcholine also plays a role in heartbeat rhythm, breathing, bowel function and pupil contraction (functions of the autonomous nervous system).

In the brain, acetylcholine stimulates other neurons, such as dopamine neurons, to release their neurotransmitters. Nicotine has effects on all these processes.