MYENTERIC PLEXUS Meaning and
Definition
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The myenteric plexus is a complex network of nerve fibers located in the muscular layer, or muscularis externa, of the gastrointestinal tract. It is part of the enteric nervous system, which controls and coordinates many of the functions of the digestive system.
Comprising of both sensory and motor neurons, the myenteric plexus is primarily responsible for regulating the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby controlling the movement and propulsion of food along the digestive system. This intricate network of nerves plays a critical role in maintaining the rhythmic and coordinated contractions necessary for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The myenteric plexus is composed of ganglia, which are collections of nerve cell bodies, interconnected by bundles of nerve fibers. These ganglia are spread throughout the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus to the anus. Communication within the myenteric plexus is facilitated by neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells.
Disruptions or abnormalities in the myenteric plexus can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders, such as dysmotility disorders, gastroparesis, or bowel obstruction. These conditions may result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
In summary, the myenteric plexus is an extensive network of nerves located within the muscular layer of the gastrointestinal tract that regulates the movement and function of the digestive system.
Common Misspellings for MYENTERIC PLEXUS
- nyenteric plexus
- kyenteric plexus
- jyenteric plexus
- mtenteric plexus
- mgenteric plexus
- mhenteric plexus
- muenteric plexus
- m7enteric plexus
- m6enteric plexus
- mywnteric plexus
- mysnteric plexus
- mydnteric plexus
- myrnteric plexus
- my4nteric plexus
- my3nteric plexus
- myebteric plexus
- myemteric plexus
- myejteric plexus
- myehteric plexus
Etymology of MYENTERIC PLEXUS
The word "myenteric" comes from the combination of two Greek roots, "mys" meaning "muscle", and "enteron" meaning "intestine". The term "plexus" is derived from the Latin word "plexus", meaning "braid" or "network". Together, "myenteric plexus" describes a network of nerve fibers located between the layers of smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the muscularis externa, which is responsible for coordinating the contractions of the intestine.
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