Answer
The enteric nervous system is a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is dedicated to regulation and control of GI system activities.--motility, secretion and and blood flow. The two neural networks that make up the enteric nervous system are the submucosal neural plexus/Meissners Plexus, and the myenteric plexus/Auerbach's plexus.
Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa, and Auerbach's plexus is a plexus of parasympathetic neurons and ganglia located between layers of the muscularis externa. The preganglionic neurons of the plexus come from the vagus nerve (CN X). The postgangionic fibers of the plexus pass through the inner circular muscles of the muscularis externa and form part of the submucosal plexus.
The submuscosal (Meissner's) complex controls movements of the muscularis mucosae and secretions of the mucosal glands.
Auerbach's plexus/myenteric plexus controls contractions of the muscularis externa, and peristaltic activity.
Work Step by Step
Sensory functions of the enteric nervous system.
The enteric nervous system is not purely efferent in function: it has receptors and sensory neurons responsible for reporting alimentary tract muscular tension, and conditions in the lumen of the gut. Enteric receptors detect mechanical, thermal, osmotic, and chemical stimuli in the gut. These stimuli are relayed to the central nervous system (CNS) so that the CNS has some influence over the activity of the "little brain" of the digestive tract.
