What is the Origin of Enteric Nervous System Communication?

The term combines anatomy, physiology, and neuroendocrinology, acknowledging the ENS as a distinct division of the autonomic nervous system. "Enteric" is derived from the Greek enteron (intestine). "Communication" highlights the continuous exchange of information between the ENS and the Central Nervous System (CNS) via the vagus nerve and circulating mediators.

What is the Mechanism of Enteric Nervous System Communication?

Signals are transmitted through the vagus nerve, which provides a direct neural highway between the gut and the brainstem. Furthermore, enteroendocrine cells in the gut lining release peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GLP-1, directly into the circulation in response to luminal contents. These mediators then influence satiety, mood, and cognitive function, demonstrating the profound hormonal and neurological crosstalk of the gut-brain axis.

Enteric Nervous System Communication ∞ Area

Enteric Nervous System Communication

Meaning

The intricate bidirectional signaling network that occurs between the brain and the gut, primarily mediated by the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), often referred to as the “second brain.” This communication encompasses neural, hormonal, and immunological pathways, ensuring the coordinated regulation of gastrointestinal function, nutrient absorption, and visceral sensation. Disruptions in this axis are increasingly implicated in both digestive and central nervous system disorders.