Introduction

The cardiovascular, endocrine, and neurological systems, among others, communicate with

the digestive system. The myenteric plexus (plexus of Auerbach) and submucosal plexus

(plexus of Meissner) are two intrinsic innervations of the enteric nervous system that regulate

the alimentary canal, which extends from the esophagus to the anus and contains motor,

sensory, and interneuron cells. The myenteric plexus, which also regulates motility, is

specifically in charge of the rhythm and force of the muscular layer's contractions.

Controlling digestive secretions and reacting to the presence of food in the submucosal layer

is the function of the submucosal plexus (OpenStax, 2018).

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an intricate network of neurons and glial cells that

extends from the esophagus to the rectum. This system is in charge of managing

gastrointestinal motility and secretion, blood flow, and inflammatory responses. The ENS is

frequently referred to as the "brain in the gut" because of its capacity to respond without the

assistance of the central nervous system (CNS) (OpenStax, 2018).

The myenteric plexus (MP) and the submucosal plexus (SMP) are the two portions of the

ENS (SP). The MP, which is situated in between the layers of the muscular externa, is

essential for regulating gastrointestinal motility. The SP is a submucosal protein that controls

blood flow and mucus secretion.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic neural systems, as well as the vagus nerve, all

innervate the ENS. The vagus nerve, which regulates gastrointestinal motility and secretion,

is the main input to the ENS. The sympathetic nervous system controls inflammatory

reactions and blood flow. The parasympathetic nervous system regulates the stimulation and

motility of the gastrointestinal tract (OpenStax, 2018).

Various illnesses can negatively affect the autonomic nervous system, which can therefore

affect digestion. Diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, and neurological conditions are a few

of them.

Diabetes: Diabetes has the potential to impair the autonomic nervous system, which may

result in digestive problems. Blood sugar levels might fluctuate as a result of diabetes. This

can also impair the nerves that control digestion.

Digestive diseases: Digestive issues can result from gastrointestinal illnesses that influence

the autonomic nervous system. Digestion can be impacted by changes in motility and

secretion as well as inflammation of the nerves that regulate it.

The autonomic nervous system is impacted by neurological abnormalities, which can lead to

digestion issues. Neurological conditions, changes in motility, and changes in secretion can

all damage the neurons that regulate digestion.

In Conclusion

The myenteric plexus, which lies in between the layers of the muscular externa, regulates

gastrointestinal motility. Blood flow and mucus secretion are controlled by the submucosal

plexus, a blood artery in the submucosa. The autonomic nervous system is in charge of

regulating physiological processes.

Reference

OpenStax. (2018) Anatomy & physiology. Houston, TX: Rice

University.https://cnx.org/contents/FPtK1zmh@12.6:fEI3C8Ot@16/Preface