Nerve
Enteric nervous system
Local sensory and motor circuits within the digestive tract
High-yield
The myenteric plexus lies between the main muscle layers and is especially important for motility. The submucosal plexus regulates mucosal functions, including secretion and local circulation.
Overview
Enteric neurons and glia organize local digestive reflexes within the gut wall. These circuits coordinate movement and mucosal activity while exchanging signals with the central nervous system through autonomic and sensory pathways.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Develops predominantly from migrating neural-crest-derived cells that populate the gastrointestinal wall.
- Root value
- No single spinal root value applies; sympathetic, vagal and pelvic parasympathetic pathways modulate the network.
- Course
- Myenteric ganglia lie between longitudinal and circular muscle; submucosal ganglia occupy the submucosa.
- Motor
- Integrates propulsion, local secretion and blood-flow responses through interconnected enteric circuits.
- Sensory
- Local sensory neurons detect mechanical and chemical conditions and initiate reflexes within the gut wall.
Clinical correlation
Hirschsprung disease involves absent enteric ganglion cells in a distal bowel segment. Impaired relaxation obstructs passage through that segment, and bowel upstream may dilate.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the enteric nervous system?
No single spinal root value applies; sympathetic, vagal and pelvic parasympathetic pathways modulate the network.
What muscles does the enteric nervous system supply?
The enteric nervous system supplies the integrates propulsion, local secretion and blood-flow responses through interconnected enteric circuits.
What is the sensory distribution of the enteric nervous system?
The enteric nervous system carries sensation from the local sensory neurons detect mechanical and chemical conditions and initiate reflexes within the gut wall.
What is the course of the enteric nervous system?
Myenteric ganglia lie between longitudinal and circular muscle; submucosal ganglia occupy the submucosa.