Mesenteric plexus

Mesenteric Plexus

The Mesenteric Plexus is a complex network of nerves located in the abdomen. It is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as digestion and heart rate. The mesenteric plexus is divided into two main parts: the superior mesenteric plexus and the inferior mesenteric plexus.

Structure

The mesenteric plexus is composed of ganglia (clusters of nerve cells) and nerve fibers. It is located in the mesentery, a fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the back wall of the abdomen. The superior mesenteric plexus is associated with the small intestine and the upper part of the large intestine, while the inferior mesenteric plexus is associated with the lower part of the large intestine.

Function

The mesenteric plexus plays a crucial role in the regulation of digestion. It controls the contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the intestines, which helps to move food along the digestive tract. It also regulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and the flow of blood to the intestines.

Clinical significance

Damage or disease affecting the mesenteric plexus can lead to a variety of digestive disorders. For example, mesenteric ischemia is a condition in which the blood flow to the mesenteric plexus is reduced, leading to severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications. Other conditions that can affect the mesenteric plexus include irritable bowel syndrome and gastroenteritis.

See also

• Enteric nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Digestive system