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Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse

Published on: August 7, 2013

The enteric nervous system: normal functions and enteric neuropathies.

¹Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. j.furness@unimelb.edu.au

Neurogastroenterology and Motility

|April 18, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls gut function, but its roles in the esophagus and stomach require further study. Future research aims to understand ENS disorders and develop new treatments targeting ion channels and neural stem cells.

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An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse

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Published on: August 7, 2013

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gastroenterology
Physiology

Background:

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is crucial for small and large intestine function, regulating motility and fluid exchange.
Understanding of ENS roles in the esophagus and stomach, and the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic control, remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

To clarify the roles of the ENS in esophageal and gastric function.
To elucidate how neural activity in the small intestine and colon orchestrates diverse motor patterns.
To identify future research directions for treating enteric neuropathies and motility disorders.

Main Methods:

Review of current knowledge on ENS organization and function.
Identification of knowledge gaps in esophageal, gastric, and intestinal ENS control.
Analysis of potential therapeutic targets and future research strategies.

Main Results:

While ENS function in the intestines is largely understood, significant gaps exist for the esophagus and stomach.
The orchestration of neural activity for specific gut functions (propulsion, mixing) requires further investigation.
Enteric neuron ion channels are proposed as under-investigated therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

Future research should focus on the molecular and cellular basis of enteric neuropathies.
Developing therapeutic strategies for motility and secretion disorders by leveraging ENS neurochemistry and physiology is critical.
Identifying biomarkers for functional bowel disorders and exploring neural stem cell therapies are key future challenges.