Auerbach's plexus

Auerbach's Plexus

The Auerbach's Plexus, also known as the myenteric plexus, is a significant part of the enteric nervous system. It is named after Leopold Auerbach, a German anatomist who discovered it in the 19th century.

Anatomy

The Auerbach's Plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular layers of the muscularis externa in the gastrointestinal tract. It extends from the esophagus to the anus, and is more densely populated in the small intestine and large intestine.

Function

The primary function of the Auerbach's Plexus is to control the gastrointestinal motility. It does this by coordinating the relaxation and contraction of the smooth muscle layers of the gut. This allows for the process of peristalsis, which is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the gut that propels food along the digestive tract.

Clinical Significance

Damage or abnormalities in the Auerbach's Plexus can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. One of the most notable is Hirschsprung's disease, a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus, leading to chronic constipation and intestinal obstruction.

Research

Research into the Auerbach's Plexus is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in gastrointestinal disorders and potential therapeutic interventions. It is also a subject of interest in the study of neurogastroenterology, a field that explores the interaction between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system.

See Also

• Enteric nervous system
• Hirschsprung's disease
• Peristalsis
• Neurogastroenterology