enteric nervous system

(noun)

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal system.

Related Terms

Examples of enteric nervous system in the following topics:

  • Enteric Nervous System

    • The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that directly controls the gastrointestinal system.
    • The gastrointestinal (GI) system has its own nervous system, the enteric nervous system (ENS).
    • The enteric nervous system is embedded in the lining of the gastrointestinal system.
    • The enteric nervous system has been described as a second brain.
    • An illustration of neural control of the gut wall by the autonomic nervous system and the enteric nervous system.

  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

    • The autonomic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system that controls visceral functions such as heart rate and digestion.
    • The autonomic nervous system (ANS or visceral nervous system or involuntary nervous system) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system functioning largely below the level of consciousness and controls visceral functions .
    • The enteric nervous system is sometimes considered part of the autonomic nervous system, and sometimes considered an independent system.
    • The effect of parasympathetic stimulation is to increase activity in the entire enteric nervous system The proximal half of the nervous system is innervated from the cranial parasympathetic nerve fibers via the vagal nerve.
    • An illustration of neural control of the gut wall by the autonomic nervous system and the enteric nervous system.

  • Comparing the Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

    • The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
    • The somatic nervous system (SoNS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system associated with the voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles.
    • The somatic nervous system consists of three parts:
    • The ANS is classically divided into two subsystems: the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
    • The enteric nervous system is sometimes considered part of the autonomic nervous system, and sometimes considered an independent system.

  • Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

    • The autonomic nervous system (ANS) contains two subdivisions: the parasympathetic (PSNS) and sympathetic (SNS) nervous systems.
    • The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is classically divided into two subsystems: the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
    • The enteric nervous system is sometimes considered part of the autonomic nervous system, and sometimes considered an independent system.
    • In the autonomic nervous system, preganglionic neurons connect the CNS to the ganglion.
    • Distinguish between the parasympathetic and sympathetic subsystems of the autonomic nervous system

  • Autonomic Reflexes

    • The autonomic nervous system (ANS, visceral nervous system, or involuntary nervous system) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system.
    • These then subdivide into other areas and are also linked to ANS subsystems and nervous systems external to the brain.
    • The ANS is classically divided into two subsystems: the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that operate independently in some functions and interact co-operatively in others.
    • A more modern characterization is that the sympathetic nervous system is a quick- response, mobilizing system and the parasympathetic is a more slowly activated, dampening system—but there are exceptions, such as in sexual arousal and orgasm where both play a role.
    • The enteric nervous system is also sometimes considered part of the autonomic nervous system, and sometimes considered an independent system.

  • Neurons and Glial Cells

    • In most types of vertebrate animals, it consists of two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
    • The PNS includes motor neurons (mediating voluntary movement), the autonomic nervous system (comprising the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulate involuntary functions), and the enteric nervous system (a semi-independent part of the nervous system whose function is to control the gastrointestinal system).
    • The nervous system performs several functions simultaneously.
    • Some organisms, such as sea sponges, lack a true nervous system.
    • Octopi may have the most complicated of invertebrate nervous systems.

  • Subdivisions of the Nervous System

    • The nervous system is comprised of two major subdivisions, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
    • The PNS is further subdivided into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system.
    • As mentioned, the autonomic nervous system acts as a control system and most functions occur without conscious thought.
    • The ANS is classically divided into two subsystems: the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
    • The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls the gastrointestinal system and is sometimes considered part of the autonomic nervous system.

  • Comparing the Nervous and Endocrine Systems

    • The nervous system and endocrine system both use chemical messengers to signal cells, but each has a different transmission speed.
    • The nervous and endocrine systems both work to bring about this adaptation, but their response patterns are different.
    • The nervous system responds rapidly to stimuli by sending electrical action potentials along neurons, which in turn transmit these action potentials to their target cells using neurotransmitters, the chemical messenger of the nervous system.
    • The response to stimuli by the nervous system is near instantaneous, although the effects are often short lived.
    • This process takes significantly longer than that of the nervous system, as endocrine hormones must first be synthesized, transported to their target cell, and enter or signal the cell.

  • Development of the Peripheral Nervous System

    • The peripheral nervous system develops from two strips of tissue called the neural crest, running lengthwise above the neural tube.
    • In vertebrates, the first sign of the nervous system is the appearance of a thin strip of cells along the center of the back, called the neural plate.
    • The inner portion of the neural plate (along the midline) is destined to become the central nervous system (CNS), the outer portion the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
    • Neural crest cells are a transient, multipotent, migratory cell population unique to vertebrates that gives rise to a diverse cell lineage including melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage and bone, smooth muscle, peripheral and enteric neurons and glia.
    • The neural tube will give rise to the central nervous system, while the neural crest will give rise to the peripheral nervous system.

  • Parasympathetic (Craniosacral) Division

    • Parasympathetic ganglia are the autonomic ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system that lie near or within the organs they innervate.
    • Parasympathetic ganglia are the autonomic ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system, blue fibers).
    • Because of its location, the parasympathetic system is commonly referred to as having craniosacral outflow, in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which is said to have thoracolumbar outflow.
    • The parasympathetic nervous system, shown in blue, is a division of the autonomic nervous system.
    • Describe features of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system