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Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) plays a pivotal role in regulating gastrointestinal or GI motor activity. This complex network of nerves, deeply embedded within the gut wall, responds to changes in the gut environment and receives input from both the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system. By doing so, the ENS operates various programs tailored to the body's nutritional status and needs.
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a program...

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract

The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of the GI tract...

Gastric Motility

Gastric Motility

Gastric motility is the coordinated contraction and relaxation of stomach muscles that convert ingested food into chyme, a semi-liquid substance ready for further digestion in the intestines. The process begins with the vagus nerve inducing the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the fundus and body of the stomach, allowing these regions to expand and accommodate up to approximately 1.5 liters of food and liquid.
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...

Neural Regulation

Neural Regulation

Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...

Reflex Activity

Reflex Activity

A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

Published on: December 1, 2010

Enteric nervous system: reflexes, pattern generators and motility.

Jackie D Wood¹

¹Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. wood.13@osu.edu

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology

|February 28, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) utilizes central pattern generators, not just reflexes, to control gut motility and secretion. This brain-in-the-gut understanding challenges traditional reflex models for intestinal muscle responses.

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Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

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Published on: December 1, 2010

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

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Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines

Published on: January 27, 2016

Area of Science:

Neurogastroenterology
Physiology
Enteric Nervous System (ENS) Research

Background:

The enteric nervous system (ENS), often termed the 'brain-in-the-gut', plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal function.
Recent research has focused on understanding the complex neural circuits within the ENS that govern motility and secretion.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize advances in the understanding of the ENS, particularly concerning sensory neurons, reflex circuits, and central pattern generators.
To challenge the traditional view of ENS function based on classic reflex models.

Main Methods:

Review of current literature on ENS neurophysiology.
Analysis of neural circuit mechanisms underlying intestinal motility and secretion.
Comparison of ENS circuitry with spinal motor reflexes.

Main Results:

A 'hardwired' polysynaptic circuit in the ENS controls intestinal circular muscle, mediating descending inhibition and contraction.
ENS networks incorporate central pattern generators (CPGs) that activate basic circuits for rhythmic motility and secretion.
The afferent limb of a spinal motor reflex has not been unequivocally identified in the ENS.

Conclusions:

The dogma that intestinal muscle responses to stimuli are solely classic reflexes is challenged.
Central pattern generators (CPGs), rather than afferent-evoked reflexes, are proposed as the primary drivers of propulsive contractile behavior and secretion.
This highlights a hierarchical organization of neural motility control within the ENS, with CPGs operating at a higher level.