How do anticholinergics affect the body?

Anticholinergics influence the body primarily by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in many bodily functions, particularly in the parasympathetic nervous system. By inhibiting acetylcholine receptors, anticholinergics lead to a reduction in the secretion of bodily fluids and help alleviate muscle spasms. This action can decrease gastrointestinal motility, which is why anticholinergics are often used to treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or to manage symptoms of overactive bladder. The reduction of secretions can also be beneficial in various clinical situations, such as pre-anesthetic medication to minimize salivation.

In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the effects of anticholinergics. For instance, they do not increase gastrointestinal motility but rather decrease it. While they may have some effects on the central nervous system, their primary action is not to stimulate it but to block the neurotransmitter's effects in the body. Additionally, anticholinergics do not enhance neurotransmitter effects; instead, they inhibit acetylcholine's effectiveness at its receptor sites.