Enteric Nervous System

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) Is A Component Of The Autonomic Nervous System And Is Composed Of A Network Of Neurons, Glial Cells, And Other Cells That Are Located In The Walls Of The Gastrointestinal Tract. It Is Responsible For Regulating The Functions Of The Digestive System, Including Digestion, Absorption, And Excretion Of Food. The ENS Is Sometimes Referred To As The "Brain In The Gut" Because Of Its Ability To Act Independently Of The Central Nervous System (CNS). The ENS Is Composed Of Two Plexuses: The Myenteric (Auerbach's) Plexus And The Submucosal (Meissner's) Plexus. The Myenteric Plexus Is Located Between The Inner And Outer Layers Of The Gut Wall, While The Submucosal Plexus Lies Within The Inner Layer Of The Gut Wall. These Plexuses Contain Neurons That Are Connected To Each Other Through Chemical And Electrical Synapses. They Are Responsible For Controlling The Contraction And Relaxation Of The Muscles In The Gut Wall, Which Is Necessary For The Movement Of Food Through The Digestive Tract. The ENS Is Also Responsible For The Release Of Hormones And Other Chemicals That Help To Regulate Digestion.