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Related Concept Videos

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...
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The plexuses of the lower body include the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses, which innervate the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and coccygeal region. These plexuses control the transmission of sensory information and coordinate motor functions of the lower body.
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I01:22

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I

Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
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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...
Histology of the Large Intestine01:26

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The large intestine, a vital component of the gastrointestinal tract, is structured with four main layers: the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. Each layer performs a distinct role in facilitating the smooth functioning of the large intestine.
The innermost mucosa layer comprises simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. This layer is primarily populated with absorptive cells, tasked with water absorption, and goblet cells, responsible for secreting mucus to...
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The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...

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Innervation of Human Intestinal Organoids
07:23

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Published on: January 17, 2025

Two submucosal nerve plexus in human intestines.

Axel Brehmer1, Holger Rupprecht, Winfried Neuhuber

  • 1Institute of Anatomy I, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. axel.brehmer@anatomie1.med.uni-erlangen.de

Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|November 14, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers identified two distinct submucosal nerve networks in the human gut: the outer Schabadasch plexus and the inner Meissner plexus. These networks exhibit unique architectures and are interconnected, offering insights into enteric nervous system organization.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neuroscience
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates gut function.
  • Submucosal nerve plexuses are crucial components of the ENS.
  • Detailed architectural understanding of human submucosal networks is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and characterize the architecture of human submucosal nerve networks.
  • To differentiate and describe the distinct features of the inner and outer submucosal plexuses.
  • To explore the interconnections between these nerve networks.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of human small and large intestine segments from 12 individuals.
  • Preparation of 12 undivided submucosal wholemounts.
  • Immunohistochemical staining for peripherin (nerve elements) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (muscle remnants).

Main Results:

  • Identification of two distinct ganglionic nerve networks: the plexus submucosus externus (Schabadasch plexus) and the plexus submucosus internus (Meissner plexus).
  • The outer plexus (Schabadasch) is typically monolayered with wide, polyangular meshes.
  • The inner plexus (Meissner) is multi-layered with irregular meshes and grape-like ganglia, distinct from the outer plexus's neuron morphology.
  • Both plexuses are extensively interconnected by strands, sometimes containing ganglia.

Conclusions:

  • The human submucosa contains two distinct, interconnected nerve networks, historically termed Meissner (inner) and Schabadasch (outer) plexuses.
  • These plexuses possess unique architectural features and ganglionic morphologies.
  • The findings provide a detailed anatomical basis for understanding enteric nervous system organization and function.