Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity01:11

Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity

458
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...
458
Nerve Supply of the GI Tract01:27

Nerve Supply of the GI Tract

1.5K
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...
1.5K
Autonomic Nervous System: Overview01:26

Autonomic Nervous System: Overview

4.5K
The human nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS contains nerve cells, clusters of nerve cells, and the sensory receptors that are outside the CNS. The PNS has two types of nerve cells: sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent). Sensory cells send signals to the CNS from receptors, and motor cells carry signals from the CNS to organs, muscles, and...
4.5K
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

309
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...
309
Functional Divisions of the Nervous System01:23

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

5.3K
The nervous system, responsible for sensing, integrating, and responding to various stimuli, is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS has two functional divisions: the sensory or afferent division and the motor or efferent division.
The sensory division transmits information from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. It provides the CNS with knowledge about somatic senses (such as tactile, thermal, pain, and proprioceptive sensations)...
5.3K
Neural Regulation01:37

Neural Regulation

39.5K
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.
39.5K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Claims regarding the fidelity of extracellular electrical recording from gastrointestinal muscles not validated suitably.

American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology·2026
Same author

Fundamentals of Neurogastroenterology: Basic Science.

Gastroenterology·2026
Same author

Mechanisms responsible for pacemaker activity in human gastric muscles.

The Journal of physiology·2026
Same author

International Forum on Visceral Myopathy 2024: Advances in the Knowledge of the Disease.

Neurogastroenterology and motility·2026
Same author

Novel imaging approach for simultaneous tracking of cell dynamics in distinct tissue layers reveals cells involved in colonic peristalsis.

Frontiers in imaging (Lausanne, Switzerland)·2026
Same author

Role of interstitial cells of Cajal in regulating tone and responses to enteric motor neurons in the murine pyloric sphincter.

American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2025

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse
10:34

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

Published on: August 7, 2013

27.2K

Overview of the Enteric Nervous System.

Gary M Mawe1, Kenton M Sanders2, Michael Camilleri3

  • 1Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.

Seminars in Neurology
|August 10, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Gastrointestinal tract propulsion relies on coordinated signals from the brain and spinal cord, plus the gut

More Related Videos

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

17.3K
Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development
07:54

Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development

Published on: April 29, 2015

11.5K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2025

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse
10:34

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

Published on: August 7, 2013

27.2K
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

17.3K
Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development
07:54

Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development

Published on: April 29, 2015

11.5K

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Neurobiology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) tract content propulsion is crucial for digestion and waste elimination.
  • This process involves complex interactions between the nervous system and the gut's muscular components.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the coordinated neural and neuromuscular mechanisms governing GI tract propulsion.
  • To detail the specific propulsive functions like peristalsis, migrating motor complexes, and mass movements.

Main Methods:

  • The study integrates knowledge of extrinsic neural control (brain, spinal cord) and intrinsic enteric neural circuits.
  • It examines the roles of various cell types, including neurons, interstitial cells of Cajal, and smooth muscle cells.

Main Results:

  • Successful GI propulsion depends on coordinated signaling between extrinsic and enteric neurons.
  • Key propulsive functions identified include peristaltic reflexes, small intestine's migrating motor complexes (housekeeping), and colonic mass movements.

Conclusions:

  • The intricate interplay of extrinsic and enteric nervous systems, alongside the gut's neuromuscular apparatus, drives essential digestive and excretory functions.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for addressing motility disorders.