Muscarinic receptors are a type of cholinergic receptor that is activated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These receptors are named after muscarine, a compound found in certain mushrooms that can activate them. Muscarinic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and are found throughout the body, including in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They play a crucial role in various physiological processes such as heart rate, smooth muscle contraction, and glandular secretion.
