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Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity01:11

Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

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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.
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a...
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Nerve Supply of the GI Tract01:27

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract

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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.
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...
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Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

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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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Neural Regulation01:37

Neural Regulation

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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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Gastric Motility01:16

Gastric Motility

1.5K
Gastric motility is the coordinated contraction and relaxation of stomach muscles that convert ingested food into chyme, a semi-liquid substance ready for further digestion in the intestines. The process begins with the vagus nerve inducing the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the fundus and body of the stomach, allowing these regions to expand and accommodate up to approximately 1.5 liters of food and liquid.
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
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Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

4.9K
Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 18, 2025

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

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Circuit-specific enteric glia regulate intestinal motor neurocircuits.

Mohammad M Ahmadzai1,2, Luisa Seguella1,3, Brian D Gulbransen4

  • 1Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|October 1, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Peripheral enteric glia (EG) precisely regulate gut circuits. EG use purinergic and cholinergic signals to control neural pathways, impacting gastrointestinal motility in a network-specific manner.

Keywords:
autonomicenteric nervous systemgastrointestinalglianeuroglia

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An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Glia in the central nervous system modulate neural circuits, but peripheral glia's capacity is less understood.
  • Enteric glia (EG) in the enteric nervous system (ENS) influence gut motility via neuron communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if peripheral enteric glia sense and modulate ENS circuit activity.
  • To elucidate the network-specific roles of enteric glia in regulating gastrointestinal function.

Main Methods:

  • Combined glial chemogenetics with genetically encoded calcium indicators in the myenteric plexus.
  • Studied network-level activity in the intact proximal colon.
  • Stimulated neural pathways (aboral, oral, circumferential) to observe glial responses.

Main Results:

  • Distinct enteric glial populations were activated by different neural pathway stimulations.
  • Cholinergic signaling linked glia to descending pathways, repressing their activity.
  • Purinergic signaling enhanced ascending pathways and constrained descending ones.
  • Glial signaling manipulation showed sex-dependent effects on neuronal responses.

Conclusions:

  • Enteric glia regulate ENS circuitry in a network-specific manner.
  • The balance of purinergic and cholinergic signaling differentially controls circuit activity.
  • Enteric glia exhibit versatile functional roles in peripheral nervous system regulation.