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Questions and Answers
Which nervous system is responsible for controlling gastrointestinal function?
Where does the enteric nervous system begin and end?
What are the two main plexuses of the enteric nervous system?
What is the main function of the myenteric plexus?
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What is the main function of the submucosal plexus?
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Which sphincter does the myenteric plexus inhibit?
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Which plexus is mainly responsible for sensory integration in the gastrointestinal epithelium?
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What does an increase in the activity of the enteric nervous system enhance?
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Where is the submucosal plexus located?
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What is the main function of the myenteric plexus in relation to the lower esophageal sphincter?
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Which division of the parasympathetic supply innervates the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and first half of the large intestine?
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Which division of the parasympathetic supply innervates the distal half of the large intestine?
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Which region of the gastrointestinal tract has an especially rich supply of parasympathetic fibers that function in the defecation reflexes?
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Which system innervates all portions of the gastrointestinal tract rather than being more extensively supplied to the portions nearest the oral cavity and anus?
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What do sympathetic nerve endings secrete that exerts its effects on the gastrointestinal tract?
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How does norepinephrine exert its effects on the gastrointestinal tract?
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Which type of reflexes occur entirely within the enteric nervous system and control gastrointestinal secretion, peristalsis, mixing contractions, and local inhibitory effects?
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Which reflex causes evacuation of the colon in response to signals from the stomach?
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Which reflex inhibits stomach motility and stomach secretion in response to signals from the colon and small intestine?
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Which reflex inhibits emptying of ileal contents into the colon?
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Study Notes
Enteric Nervous System Overview
- The enteric nervous system (ENS) is responsible for controlling gastrointestinal function.
- The ENS begins at the esophagus and extends to the anus.
Main Plexuses of the Enteric Nervous System
- The two main plexuses of the ENS are the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexus.
Functions of the Myenteric Plexus
- The myenteric plexus primarily facilitates gastrointestinal motility.
- It inhibits the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux of stomach contents.
Functions of the Submucosal Plexus
- The submucosal plexus is primarily responsible for sensory integration in the gastrointestinal epithelium.
- It regulates glandular secretion and blood flow in the gut wall.
Activity of the Enteric Nervous System
- Increased activity of the ENS enhances gastrointestinal motility and secretions.
Location of Submucosal Plexus
- The submucosal plexus is located within the submucosa layer of the gastrointestinal tract.
Myenteric Plexus and Lower Esophageal Sphincter
- The myenteric plexus plays a significant role in regulating the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Parasympathetic Innervation
- The cranial division of the parasympathetic supply innervates the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and the first half of the large intestine.
- The sacral division innervates the distal half of the large intestine.
Defecation Reflexes
- The rectum region of the gastrointestinal tract has a rich supply of parasympathetic fibers that are crucial for defecation reflexes.
General Innervation of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- The enteric nervous system innervates all portions of the gastrointestinal tract, not just the areas nearest to the oral cavity and anus.
Sympathetic Influence on the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Sympathetic nerve endings secrete norepinephrine, which influences gastrointestinal motility and secretion.
- Norepinephrine exerts its effects primarily by inhibiting gastrointestinal functions.
Enteric Nervous System Reflexes
- Intrinsic reflexes occur entirely within the ENS, controlling secretion, peristalsis, mixing contractions, and local inhibitory effects.
- The gastrocolic reflex causes evacuation of the colon in response to stomach signals.
- The enterogastric reflex inhibits stomach motility and secretion based on signals from the colon and small intestine.
- The ileocecal reflex inhibits the emptying of the ileal contents into the colon.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the neural control of gastrointestinal function and the enteric nervous system. Learn about the composition and function of the enteric nervous system and its role in regulating the gastrointestinal tract.
