NEURAL CONTROL OF GIT
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) boasts its own intrinsic nervous system known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), which operates independently of the central nervous system. However, the GIT also undergoes regulation via the autonomic nervous system.
The ENS comprises two primary plexuses: the myenteric plexus (or Auerbach’s plexus), positioned between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers, and the submucosal plexus (or Meissner’s plexus), situated within the submucosa. The myenteric plexus predominantly governs gastrointestinal movements, while Meissner’s plexus orchestrates secretory activities and regulates local blood flow. In terms of neural innervation, parasympathetic input to the GIT is facilitated by the vagus and pelvic nerves, whereas sympathetic innervation occurs via the post-ganglionic abdominal plexus. Broadly, parasympathetic nerves promote contractile activity and secretion within the GIT, whereas sympathetic nerves tend to inhibit these functions. This intricate interplay between the enteric, parasympathetic, and sympathetic nervous systems ensures coordinated regulation of gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and blood flow, contributing to digestive efficiency and homeostasis (Sharkey & Mawe, 2023).15.5
Source:
Rana Tanmoy (ed.). Principles of Veterinary Animal Physiology. CRC Press,2026. — 290 p.. 2026
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