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.*

Noun

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