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Related Concept Videos

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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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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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

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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.
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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 14, 2026

An In-vitro Preparation of Isolated Enteric Neurons and Glia from the Myenteric Plexus of the Adult Mouse
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The enteric nervous system.

David R Linden1, Keith A Sharkey2

  • 1Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Current Biology : CB
|October 21, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The enteric nervous system (ENS), located in the gut, is a complex network with as many neurons as the spinal cord. This "second brain" can operate independently from the central nervous system.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a distinct part of the autonomic nervous system situated within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract wall.
  • It comprises a substantial number of neurons, comparable to the spinal cord.
  • A key characteristic of the ENS is its autonomy, functioning independently of the central nervous system (CNS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the unique structural and functional properties of the ENS.
  • To emphasize the ENS's capacity for independent operation.
  • To underscore the ENS's significance within the broader context of the nervous system.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on the ENS.
  • Comparative analysis of neuronal count in ENS versus spinal cord.
  • Functional assessment of ENS autonomy.

Main Results:

  • The ENS contains a neuronal population equivalent to the spinal cord.
  • The ENS demonstrates significant functional capabilities without CNS input.
  • The ENS plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal function.

Conclusions:

  • The ENS is a highly complex and integrated neural network within the GI tract.
  • Its independent functioning capacity makes it a critical component of gut health.
  • Further research into the ENS holds potential for understanding and treating GI disorders.