Enteric nervous system

The enteric nervous system is a network of neurons embedded in the gastrointestinal tract. It coordinates digestion, including gut movement, secretion, and local blood flow, and can operate without direct commands from the brain.

Myenteric plexus: A nerve network between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the gastrointestinal tract. It chiefly coordinates the contractions that propel contents along the gut.
Autonomic nervous system: The peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary functions through sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. The enteric system is often grouped with autonomic control but can function independently.
Irritable bowel syndrome: A disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits. Altered gut sensitivity and motility can involve interactions with enteric neural pathways.
Meissner's plexus: The historical name for the submucosal nerve plexus of the gastrointestinal tract. The name reflects the anatomical work that identified a major enteric network.
Central nervous system: The brain and spinal cord, which integrate and coordinate much of the body's neural activity. Unlike central circuits, enteric networks are embedded in the gut and can organize local reflexes.
Submucosal plexus: A nerve network in the submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. It regulates secretion, absorption, and local blood flow near the intestinal lining.
Enteric glial cell: A support cell in the enteric nervous system that interacts with neurons and the intestinal environment. These cells help maintain enteric circuits and influence gut-barrier and immune functions.
Hirschsprung disease: A congenital disorder in which a segment of the colon lacks enteric ganglion cells. The missing neurons prevent normal relaxation and movement in the affected bowel segment.
Auerbach's plexus: The historical name for the myenteric nerve plexus between layers of gut muscle. Its early anatomical description helped establish the organization of enteric ganglia.
Somatic nervous system: The nervous system pathways that convey sensation and control skeletal muscles. Its typical targets are skeletal muscles, whereas enteric circuits regulate digestive organs.

Linked from 27 pages