Enteric Nervous System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which nervous system is responsible for controlling gastrointestinal function?

Central Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System

Enteric Nervous System (correct)

Peripheral Nervous System

Where does the enteric nervous system begin and end?

Mouth to anus (correct)

Liver to pancreas

Esophagus to small intestine

Stomach to large intestine

What are the two main plexuses of the enteric nervous system?

Sympathetic plexus and parasympathetic plexus

Ganglion plexus and nerve plexus

Myenteric plexus and submucosal plexus (correct)

Auerbach's plexus and Meissner's plexus

What is the main function of the myenteric plexus?

Controlling smooth muscle contractions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the submucosal plexus?

Controlling local intestinal secretion Signup and view all the answers

Which sphincter does the myenteric plexus inhibit?

Pyloric sphincter Signup and view all the answers

Which plexus is mainly responsible for sensory integration in the gastrointestinal epithelium?

Submucosal plexus Signup and view all the answers

What does an increase in the activity of the enteric nervous system enhance?

Activity of gastrointestinal functions Signup and view all the answers

Where is the submucosal plexus located?

In the submucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the myenteric plexus in relation to the lower esophageal sphincter?

Inhibiting its function Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the parasympathetic supply innervates the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and first half of the large intestine?

Cranial division Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the parasympathetic supply innervates the distal half of the large intestine?

Sacral division Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the gastrointestinal tract has an especially rich supply of parasympathetic fibers that function in the defecation reflexes?

Rectum Signup and view all the answers

Which system innervates all portions of the gastrointestinal tract rather than being more extensively supplied to the portions nearest the oral cavity and anus?

Sympathetic system Signup and view all the answers

What do sympathetic nerve endings secrete that exerts its effects on the gastrointestinal tract?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

How does norepinephrine exert its effects on the gastrointestinal tract?

By an inhibitory effect on the enteric nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reflexes occur entirely within the enteric nervous system and control gastrointestinal secretion, peristalsis, mixing contractions, and local inhibitory effects?

Reflexes that occur entirely within the enteric nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex causes evacuation of the colon in response to signals from the stomach?

Gastrocolic reflex Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex inhibits stomach motility and stomach secretion in response to signals from the colon and small intestine?

Enterogastric reflex Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex inhibits emptying of ileal contents into the colon?

Coloileal reflex Signup and view all the answers

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.