Enteric nervous system
Enteric Nervous System
The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is a part of the autonomic nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal system. It is sometimes referred to as the "second brain" or the brain in the gut because it can operate independently of the brain and spinal cord, the central nervous system (CNS).
Structure[edit | edit source]
The ENS consists of some 500 million neurons, which is one hundredth of the number of neurons in the brain, and more than the number of neurons in the spinal cord. The neurons of the ENS are collected into two types of ganglia: myenteric (Auerbach's) and submucosal (Meissner's) plexuses.
Function[edit | edit source]
The ENS controls the motility, exocrine and endocrine secretions, and microcirculation of the gastrointestinal tract. It also plays a role in controlling the immune and inflammatory responses of the gut.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Dysfunction of the ENS can lead to a range of disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, chronic constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
See also[edit | edit source]
- Autonomic nervous system
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Neuron
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Gastroparesis
- Chronic constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
| Enteric nervous system Resources | |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
