[Intestinal sensitivity disorders and irritable bowel syndrome].

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Gastroenterology
• Physiology

Context:

• Visceral sensitivity (interoception) research has advanced significantly due to neurobiological techniques.
• These techniques offer insights into the structure and function of digestive tract neurons.
• Recent data highlight the complexity and richness of visceral sensory organs.

Purpose:

• To explore the advancements in understanding visceral sensitivity.
• To detail the role of intestinal sensitive terminations in transmitting information to the central nervous system.
• To examine the implications of visceral sensitivity in physiological and pathological conditions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome.

Summary:

• Neurobiological advances have deepened the understanding of visceral sensitivity and digestive tract mechanisms.
• Intestinal sensory nerves transmit visceral activity and content information to the central nervous system.
• Visceral sensitivity plays a role in normal physiology and pathology, including irritable bowel syndrome, involving extrinsic nervous system dysfunction.

Impact:

• New insights into nervous and neurohumoral mechanisms of digestive tract pathology.
• Understanding the role of visceral sensitivity in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
• Potential for new therapeutic targets for digestive disorders by modulating visceral sensitivity.