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Related Concept Videos

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

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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...
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Nerve Supply of the GI Tract01:27

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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.
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Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity01:11

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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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Neural Regulation01:37

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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.
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Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

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Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the...
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The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
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A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
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Enteric nervous system assembly: Functional integration within the developing gut.

M M Hao1, J P P Foong2, J C Bornstein2

  • 1Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Centre for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

Developmental Biology
|May 29, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) develops from neural crest cells, integrating with gut effector cells for coordinated function. Postnatal factors like immune cells and microbiota further shape these neural networks for lifelong gut health.

Keywords:
Enteric nervous systemGastrointestinal tractGut motilityNeural crestNeuronal circuits

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Coordinated gastrointestinal function relies on integrated communication between the enteric nervous system (ENS) and effector cells.
  • Enteric neurons and glia originate from neural crest cells, migrating to colonize the developing gastrointestinal tract.
  • While ENCCs respond to similar signals as resident gut cells, their development and integration into neural networks are complex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the integrated development of the ENS and its target effector cells within the gastrointestinal tract.
  • To highlight progress in understanding ENCC migration and differentiation.
  • To explore the emerging understanding of neuronal communication and innervation patterns in the developing gut.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing research on the developmental processes of the ENS and gut effector cells.
  • It integrates findings on neural crest cell migration, differentiation, and signaling pathways.
  • The review also considers the impact of postnatal colonization by immune cells and microbiota.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in understanding ENCC migration and differentiation into neurons and glia.
  • The communication initiation between enteric neurons and their neurite extension to innervate gut layers is an area of ongoing research.
  • Postnatal gut colonization by immune cells and microbiota critically influences the final structure of intrinsic gut neural networks.

Conclusions:

  • The development of the ENS is intrinsically linked to the development of its target effector cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Understanding the intricate communication pathways and developmental timing is crucial for ensuring proper gut function from birth.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms governing neuronal communication and network formation within the ENS.