myenteric plexus

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myenteric plexus

The doctor explained the role of the myenteric plexus in digestion.

Definition

Noun: * A network of nerves in the digestive tract: The myenteric plexus is a major network of nerve fibers and nerve cell bodies located within the muscular layers of the gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus through to the intestines. It is a key part of the enteric nervous system, often called the "second brain," and primarily controls the motility (rhythmic contractions) of the digestive system.

Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The myenteric plexus coordinates the peristaltic waves that move food through your intestines.
    • Damage to the myenteric plexus can lead to severe digestive motility disorders.
    • Researchers are studying how neurotransmitters function within the myenteric plexus.*
Advanced Usage
  • "Auerbach's plexus": This is a synonymous term for the myenteric plexus, named after the German anatomist Leopold Auerbach who described it.
    • The disorder is associated with a degeneration of neurons in Auerbach's plexus.*
Variants and Related Words
  • Enteric nervous system (ENS) (n): The entire intrinsic nervous system of the gut, of which the myenteric plexus is a primary component.
    • The enteric nervous system can operate independently of the central nervous system.
  • Submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus) (n): Another major plexus of the ENS, located in the submucosal layer of the intestinal wall, which primarily controls secretion and blood flow.
    • While the myenteric plexus governs motility, the submucosal plexus regulates glandular secretions.
Synonyms
  • Auerbach's plexus: The direct anatomical synonym.
  • Intramural ganglionated plexus: A more general descriptive term.
Related Phrases and Concepts
  • Gastrointestinal motility: The movement of food and waste through the digestive tract, which is the primary function regulated by the myenteric plexus.
    • The study focused on how the myenteric plexus influences gastrointestinal motility.*
  • Peristalsis: The coordinated, wave-like muscle contractions that push contents forward, directly controlled by this plexus.
    • The myenteric plexus is essential for initiating and coordinating peristalsis.*
myenteric plexus

The doctor explained the role of the myenteric plexus in digestion.

Noun
  1. a plexus of unmyelinated fibers and postganglionic autonomic cell bodies in the muscular coat of the esophagus and stomach and intestines

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