Enteric Nervous System

The interconnected network of around 108 neurons makes the nervous system of the gut. It is planned into two thin cylindrical sheets that run around the length of the gut. The myenteric plexus lies between the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers and extends the entire length of the gut. The submucosal plexus lies in the submucosa and expands from the pylorus of the stomach to the anus. There are wide interconnections between these two plexuses. The enteric nervous system acts separately to coordinate gut motility and secretion. Its activity is altered by both patitions of the ANS.