cholinergic drug

any pharmacological agent that stimulates activity in the parasympathetic nervous system because it potentiates the activity of acetylcholine or has effects similar to this neurotransmitter. Cholinergic drugs include such alkaloids as physostigmine and pilocarpine; bethanechol; and anticholinesterases (cholinesterase inhibitors; e.g., edrophonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine). They are used for such purposes as treating myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, and urinary retention. Also called parasympathetic drug; parasympathomimetic drug.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

majority influence

social pressure exerted by the greater part of a group on individual members and smaller factions within the group. The majority tends to push for conformity and stability, and members usually respond to this either by accepting the majority’s position as their own (conversion) or by conforming publicly but retaining their own position privately (compliance). Compare minority influence.