"The enteric nervous system (ENS) or intrinsic nervous system is one of the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and consists of a mesh-like system of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract."
This involves the study of the nervous system that controls the digestive system's functions and movement, including the enteric nervous system and extrinsic nerves.
Neurons: A neuron is a specialized cell in the nervous system that receives and sends electrical signals.
Neuroglia: Neuroglia, or glial cells, are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support and protect neurons.
Central Nervous System: The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for processing sensory, motor, and cognitive information.
Peripheral Nervous System: The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is a long, thin, tube-like structure in the vertebrate nervous system that plays an important role in relaying information from the brain to the body and vice versa.
Brainstem: The brainstem is the lowest part of the brain and connects the cerebral cortex with the spinal cord. It is responsible for regulating many important functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Cerebellum: The cerebellum is located under the cerebrum and controls movement, coordination, and balance.
Cerebrum: The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for conscious thought, memory, and perception.
Limbic System: The limbic system is a collection of structures in the brain that plays a role in emotions, behavior, and motivation.
Cranial Nerves: The cranial nerves are a group of twelve pairs of nerves that originate from the brain and are responsible for many important functions such as vision, hearing, and smell.
Enteric Nervous System: A complex network of nerves located exclusively in the walls of the digestive system. It is responsible for regulating digestive activities, such as the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Autonomic Nervous System: The division of the nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary actions in the body, including the digestive system.
Vagal Reflex Pathways: Bundles of nerve fibers that connect the digestive system to the brain via the vagus nerve. They are responsible for many processes, such as the release of digestive secretions, regulation of motility, and perception of hunger and satiety.
Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that plays a key role in regulating appetite and feeding behavior by controlling the release of hormones and neurotransmitters involved in digestion.
Sympathetic Nervous System: A division of the nervous system involved in the "fight or flight" response. It can affect digestion by reducing blood flow, decreasing secretions, and slowing down peristalsis.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: A division of the nervous system that decreases activity in skeletal muscles and reduces stress on the body. It can stimulate digestion by increasing secretions, promoting peristalsis, and relaxing sphincters.
Cortical Brain Regions: Areas of the brain responsible for conscious regulation of digestion, including learning, memory, and emotional responses.
Central Nervous System: The brain and spinal cord, which communicate with the digestive system through various nerve pathways to regulate digestion.
Peripheral Nervous System: The network of nerves throughout the body that communicate with the central nervous system and regulate the digestive system.
"It is capable of acting independently of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, although it may be influenced by them."
"The ENS is nicknamed the 'second brain'."
"It is derived from neural crest cells."
"The enteric nervous system is capable of operating independently of the brain and spinal cord, but does rely on innervation from the vagus nerve and prevertebral ganglia in healthy subjects."
"However, studies have shown that the system is operable with a severed vagus nerve."
"The neurons of the enteric nervous system control the motor functions of the system, in addition to the secretion of gastrointestinal enzymes."
"These neurons communicate through many neurotransmitters similar to the CNS, including acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin."
"The large presence of serotonin and dopamine in the gut are key areas of research for neurogastroenterologists."
"The enteric nervous system (ENS) or intrinsic nervous system is one of the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and consists of a mesh-like system of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract."
"It is capable of acting independently of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems."
"The ENS is nicknamed the 'second brain'."
"It is derived from neural crest cells."
"The enteric nervous system is capable of operating independently of the brain and spinal cord, but does rely on innervation from the vagus nerve and prevertebral ganglia in healthy subjects."
"However, studies have shown that the system is operable with a severed vagus nerve."
"The neurons of the enteric nervous system control the motor functions of the system, in addition to the secretion of gastrointestinal enzymes."
"These neurons communicate through many neurotransmitters similar to the CNS, including acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin."
"The large presence of serotonin and dopamine in the gut are key areas of research for neurogastroenterologists."
"The enteric nervous system (ENS) or intrinsic nervous system is one of the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)."
"The ENS consists of a mesh-like system of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract."