Wednesday, November 25, 2020

THE ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

 

INTRODUCTION:  The enteric nervous system is composed of interconnected networks of ganglion cells and nerve fibers mainly located in the submucosa (submucosal plexus) and between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers (myenteric plexus). These networks give rise to nerve fibers that connect with the mucosa and muscle.  Although extrinsic sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves project onto the submucosal and myenteric plexuses, the enteric nervous system can independently regulate gastrointestinal motility and secretion.  Extrinsic primary afferent neurons project via the dorsal root ganglia or vagus nerve to the central nervous system.  Release of serotonin (5-HT) from intestinal mucosa enterochromaffin (EC) cells stimulates 5-HT 3 receptors on the extrinsic afferent nerves, stimulating nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.  Serotonin also stimulates submucosal 5-HT 1P  receptors of the intrinsic primary afferent nerves (IPANs), which contain calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and acetylcholine and project to myenteric plexus interneurons. 5-HT 4  receptors on the presynaptic terminals of the IPANs appear to enhance release of CGRP or acetylcholine. The myenteric interneurons are important in controlling the peristaltic reflex, promoting release of excitatory mediators proximally and inhibitory mediators distally. Motilin may stimulate excitatory neurons or muscle cells directly. Dopamine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing the intensity of esophageal and gastric contractions.


RELATED;

1.  INITIATION OF A NERVE IMPULSE

2.  SYNAPSES  

REFERENCES

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