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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...

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.

Nervous System

Nervous System

The nervous system coordinates body functions through its complex network of nerve cells, enabling sensation and movement. It is divided into two primary parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain acts as the body's control center, processing sensory information and coordinating responses. The spinal cord functions as a major signaling pathway for the brain and the rest of the body.
Extending...

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...

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...

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

The nervous system, responsible for sensing, integrating, and responding to various stimuli, is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS has two functional divisions: the sensory or afferent division and the motor or efferent division.
The sensory division transmits information from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. It provides the CNS with knowledge about somatic senses (such as tactile, thermal, pain, and proprioceptive sensations)...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 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 nervous system and gastrointestinal function.

Muhammad A Altaf¹, Manu R Sood

¹Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.

Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews

|July 23, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The enteric nervous system (ENS), the gut's independent brain, controls gastrointestinal functions. Understanding ENS development and physiology is key to addressing motility disorders in children with developmental disabilities.

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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

Real-time Analysis of Gut-brain Neural Communication: Cortex wide Calcium Dynamics in Response to Intestinal Glucose Stimulation

Real-time Analysis of Gut-brain Neural Communication: Cortex wide Calcium Dynamics in Response to Intestinal Glucose Stimulation

Published on: December 29, 2023

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gastroenterology
Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

The enteric nervous system (ENS) functions as an independent brain within the gastrointestinal tract.
The ENS regulates critical functions including motility, secretions, and immune responses.
Gastrointestinal issues like dysphagia and constipation are common in children with developmental disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

To discuss the development and physiology of the ENS.
To explore mechanisms controlling gastrointestinal functions.
To enhance understanding of ENS-related pathophysiology in pediatric developmental disabilities.

Main Methods:

Review of the development and physiology of the enteric nervous system.
Discussion of basic mechanisms controlling gastrointestinal tract functions.
Analysis of intestinal motility, neurogastric reflexes, and visceral hyperalgesia.

Main Results:

The ENS independently modulates gastrointestinal motility, secretions, and immune responses.
Altered bowel motility in developmental disabilities may stem from ENS defects or central modulation.
Neurogastric reflexes and visceral hyperalgesia are integral to gut-brain communication.

Conclusions:

Understanding ENS function is crucial for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal disorders in children with developmental disabilities.
This knowledge aids in elucidating the pathophysiology of these conditions.
Further research into ENS-related mechanisms can improve patient outcomes.