The Enteric Nervous System

Abstract

The enteric nervous system is a collection of neurons in the gastrointestinal tract¹ that constitutes the “brain of the gut” and can function independently of the central nervous system.² This system controls the motility,^3,4 exocrine and endocrine secretions,⁵ and microcirculation⁶ of the gastrointestinal tract; it is also involved in regulating immune and inflammatory processes.⁷ In the past decade, major advances in the understanding of the enteric nervous system have led to a greater appreciation of its importance in clinical medicine. In this review we highlight some of these advances.Development of the Enteric Nervous SystemThe enteric nervous system . . .