Which division of the autonomic nervous system is mediated by the release of acetylcholine and affects various body functions?

The parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for mediating the body's rest-and-digest functions. This division operates mostly under conditions of calm and relaxation, helping to conserve energy and promote restorative processes. The release of acetylcholine is a key characteristic of this division, as it acts on various targets including the heart, digestive organs, and other systems to promote functions such as lowering heart rate, increasing digestive activity, and facilitating rest.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals from nerve cells to muscle cells and glands, effectively helping to manage bodily functions. The influence of the parasympathetic nervous system is generally antagonistic to that of the sympathetic division, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, often involving different neurotransmitters like norepinephrine.

In contrast, the somatic nervous system primarily controls voluntary movements and does not typically involve the autonomic processes discussed here. The central nervous system refers to the brain and spinal cord and does not directly denote a specific functional division like the autonomic nervous system does.