How the Enteric Plexus Helps Your Gut

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

With over 100 million neurons, the enteric nervous system (ENS) lining your digestive tract functions as a sophisticated "second brain". This intricate network, composed of two key plexuses, orchestrates essential gut functions independently while maintaining a vital two-way communication link with your central nervous system.

Quick Summary

The gut's enteric plexuses, including the myenteric and submucosal, manage motility, secretions, and nutrient absorption. They are crucial for independent gut function and bidirectional communication along the gut-brain axis.

Key Points

Motility Control: The myenteric plexus coordinates the muscular contractions (peristalsis) that move food through the digestive tract.
Secretions and Absorption: The submucosal plexus regulates glandular secretions and blood flow within the mucosa to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Gut-Brain Communication: As part of the enteric nervous system (ENS), the plexus facilitates a bidirectional link with the brain, influencing and being influenced by emotional and cognitive states.
Independent Function: The ENS can operate independently of the central nervous system to manage many digestive processes through local reflexes.
Neurotransmitter Production: The gut, influenced by the plexus, produces vital neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, impacting mood and overall gut function.
Barrier Integrity: The plexus helps maintain the gut's barrier, preventing harmful substances from crossing into the bloodstream.
Immune Regulation: The ENS plays a role in modulating the immune system within the gut, helping to manage inflammation.

The enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the "second brain," is a network of neurons within the walls of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is part of the autonomic nervous system and can operate independently to control most aspects of GI physiology. The ENS is primarily made up of two nerve plexuses: the myenteric (Auerbach's) and submucosal (Meissner's) plexuses, which coordinate the digestive process.

The Myenteric Plexus: Orchestrating Gut Motility

The myenteric plexus is located between the muscle layers of the gut from the esophagus to the anal canal. Its main role is regulating peristalsis, the muscular contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract. It uses both excitatory and inhibitory neurons to control muscle contraction and relaxation, ensuring efficient movement.

The Submucosal Plexus: Controlling Secretions and Absorption

The submucosal plexus is found in the submucosa layer beneath the gut lining. It is more prominent in the small and large intestines than in the stomach and esophagus. Its functions are localized and involve regulating secretions from mucosal glands, modulating blood flow for nutrient absorption, and influencing the absorption of nutrients and water.

A Symphony of Coordinated Functions

The myenteric and submucosal plexuses work together but can also function independently. The myenteric plexus handles large-scale muscle movements, while the submucosal plexus manages localized mucosal activities. These intrinsic reflexes, known as "short reflexes," allow the gut to respond to local stimuli without involving the brain. For example, the presence of food triggers the plexuses to stimulate secretions and muscle contractions.

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Street

The enteric plexus communicates extensively with the central nervous system (CNS) via the gut-brain axis. The vagus nerve is a key pathway for this bidirectional communication. Signals from the gut influence brain centers related to hunger, mood, and stress, while signals from the CNS can affect gut function. The gut also produces many neurotransmitters, including over 90% of the body's serotonin, which affects both motility and mood. Disruptions in this communication can contribute to GI disorders and mental health issues.

The Enteric Plexus in Health and Disease

The proper function of the enteric plexuses is vital for health. Dysfunction can lead to disorders like IBS, gastroparesis, and Hirschsprung disease. Research highlights how gut inflammation or bacterial imbalances can impact the plexus, affecting digestion, physiology, and mental well-being. The plexus also contributes to maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

Key Functions of the Enteric Plexuses

Motility Control: The myenteric plexus drives peristalsis.
Secretory Regulation: The submucosal plexus governs the release of digestive substances.
Blood Flow Modulation: The submucosal plexus adjusts local blood flow for nutrient absorption.
Immune System Modulation: The ENS interacts with gut immune cells.
Neurotransmitter Production: The gut is a major producer of key neurotransmitters.
Reflex Coordination: The ENS allows for localized reflexes.
Gut-Brain Communication: The ENS communicates with the CNS via the gut-brain axis.

Comparison of Myenteric vs. Submucosal Plexus


Feature	Myenteric (Auerbach's) Plexus	Submucosal (Meissner's) Plexus
Location	Between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers	In the submucosal layer
Primary Function	Regulates gut motility (peristalsis)	Controls local secretions, absorption, and blood flow
Innervation	Provides motor innervation to the gut's smooth muscle	Provides secretomotor innervation to the mucosa and submucosal glands
Scope of Action	Concerned with motility throughout the entire gut	Involved with local conditions in the mucosa
Autonomy	Capable of acting autonomously to control peristalsis	Operates through local reflexes responding to mucosal stimuli

Conclusion

The enteric plexus is a complex, autonomous system essential for digestive health. Its components, the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, meticulously control gut movement, secretion, and absorption. It also serves as a crucial link in the gut-brain axis, influencing emotions and well-being. Maintaining the health of this "second brain" through diet and stress management supports proper digestion and a healthy mind. For more information on gastrointestinal nervous control, consult resources such as the NCBI.

Frequently Asked Questions

The enteric plexus is a complex network of nerve cells, known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), embedded in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. It is often called the "second brain" due to its ability to function independently to regulate digestion.

The myenteric plexus, located between the muscle layers, primarily controls gut motility, or peristalsis. The submucosal plexus, found in the submucosa, controls localized functions such as secretions, blood flow, and absorption.

The enteric plexus communicates with the central nervous system (CNS) through the vagus nerve and chemical signaling molecules. This bidirectional communication, known as the gut-brain axis, links the gut and brain to coordinate functions and influence mood.

Yes, the enteric nervous system, which includes the plexuses, is capable of operating independently of the brain and spinal cord. It controls many aspects of digestion through local reflexes.

The enteric plexus utilizes many of the same neurotransmitters found in the brain, including acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin. The gut produces about 90% of the body's serotonin, which is vital for regulating motility and mood.

Dysfunction or damage to the enteric plexuses can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroparesis, and other motility issues. It can also disrupt the gut-brain axis.

The submucosal plexus manipulates local muscle movements and blood flow to facilitate the absorption of nutrients and water from the gut lining. This ensures efficient nutrient uptake from the food being digested.