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Related Concept Videos

Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity01:11

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 Tract01:27

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...
Neural Regulation01:37

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.
Parasympathetic Signaling01:30

Parasympathetic Signaling

Parasympathetic signaling plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. It involves the release of acetylcholine (ACh) by parasympathetic neurons, which can have localized and short-lived effects. The majority of ACh released is rapidly inactivated at the synapse by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which hydrolyzes Ach into choline and acetate. Additionally, the tissue cholinesterase deactivates any ACh diffusing into the surrounding tissues.
The effects of...
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

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...
Regulation of the Digestive System01:25

Regulation of the Digestive System

Digestive activity regulation hinges on three primary components. Activation is prompted by a multitude of mechanical and chemical indicators, primarily detected by receptors within the stomach and intestines' walls. These receptors predominantly respond to factors such as mechanical stretching of the organ walls, changes in pH and osmolarity, and the presence of digesting materials and their by-products.
The effectors in this regulation system are glands and smooth muscles. Activation of these...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

In Situ Ca2+ Imaging of the Enteric Nervous System
11:26

In Situ Ca2+ Imaging of the Enteric Nervous System

Published on: January 29, 2015

Cannabinoid signalling in the enteric nervous system.

J J Galligan1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and the Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. galliga1@msu.edu

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|August 20, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cannabinoid signalling regulates the nervous system. Research shows cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) activation suppresses activity and transmission in enteric neurons, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

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Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development
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In Vitro Recording of Mesenteric Afferent Nerve Activity in Mouse Jejunal and Colonic Segments

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

In Situ Ca2+ Imaging of the Enteric Nervous System
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Published on: January 29, 2015

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In Vitro Recording of Mesenteric Afferent Nerve Activity in Mouse Jejunal and Colonic Segments
10:32

In Vitro Recording of Mesenteric Afferent Nerve Activity in Mouse Jejunal and Colonic Segments

Published on: October 25, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cannabinoid signaling modulates synaptic activity in the nervous system via CB1 and CB2 receptors.
  • Endogenous cannabinoids are synthesized and released through calcium-activated pathways.
  • CB1 receptors are neuronal, influencing adenylate cyclase and ion channels, while CB2 receptors are on immune cells.

Discussion:

  • Boesmans et al. demonstrate that CB1 receptor activation inhibits myenteric neuron activity, synaptic transmission, and mitochondrial transport in cultured neurons.
  • The study provides evidence for constitutive release of endocannabinoids by myenteric neurons, activating CB1 receptors.
  • These findings offer new insights into cannabinoid signaling targets within the enteric nervous system (ENS).

Key Insights:

  • CB1 receptor activation suppresses enteric neuronal activity and synaptic transmission.
  • Myenteric neurons release endocannabinoids that constitutively activate CB1 receptors.
  • Cannabinoid signaling represents a potential therapeutic target for modulating ENS function.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to validate these findings in intact tissues and in vivo.
  • Exploring CB1 receptor modulation could lead to novel treatments for gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Understanding endocannabinoid signaling in the ENS is crucial for developing targeted therapies.