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

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

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

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

• Autonomic nervous system
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Neuron
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastroparesis
• Chronic constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome

External links

• WikiMD: Enteric Nervous System

• 
  Enteric nervous system diagram
• 
  Layers of the gastrointestinal tract
• 
  Animation of peristalsis
• 
  Enteric nervous system
• 
  Enteric nervous system