Enteric Division
The enteric nervous system (ENS) to the GI tract to control motility, secretion, and
Sometimes considered a “semi-autonomous” efferent system within the GI tract.
Composed of:
Myenteric (Auerbach’s) plexus: Controls motility.
Submucosal (Meissner’s) plexus: Controls secretion and local blood flow.
Receives modulatory input from sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers but can function independently.
Summary Table:
| System | Origin | Target | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parasympathetic | Vagus, Pelvic Splanchnic | Smooth muscle, glands | Stimulate motility & secretion |
| Sympathetic | Thoracolumbar (T5–L2) | Smooth muscle, glands, vasculature | Inhibit motility & secretion, vasoconstriction |
| Enteric | Myenteric & submucosal plexus | GI wall | Local control of motility, secretion, reflexes |