Myenteric plexus
Myenteric Plexus
The Myenteric Plexus (pronunciation: my-en-ter-ic plek-sus), also known as Auerbach's Plexus, is an important part of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The term "myenteric" derives from the Greek words "myo" meaning muscle and "enteron" meaning intestine, indicating its location in the muscular layer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Definition
The Myenteric Plexus is a network of nerve fibers and neuron cell bodies located between the longitudinal and circular layers of the muscularis externa in the gastrointestinal tract. It plays a crucial role in controlling gastrointestinal motility and coordinating the relaxation and contraction of the muscles in the gut wall.
Function
The primary function of the Myenteric Plexus is to control the gastrointestinal motility and the tension of the gastrointestinal tract. It does this by coordinating the relaxation and contraction of the muscles in the gut wall. This allows for the movement of food and waste through the digestive system.
Clinical Significance
Damage or dysfunction of the Myenteric Plexus can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including Achalasia, a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing due to a loss of nerve cells in the Myenteric Plexus. Other conditions, such as Hirschsprung's disease, are also associated with abnormalities in the Myenteric Plexus.
Related Terms
- Enteric Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal system.
- Achalasia: A rare disorder of the food pipe (esophagus), it's usually characterized by difficulty swallowing.
- Hirschsprung's disease: A condition that affects the large intestine and causes problems with passing stool.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myenteric plexus
- Wikipedia's article - Myenteric plexus
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