Auerbachmellékplexus

The Auerbach's plexus, also known as the myenteric plexus, is a crucial part of the enteric nervous system embedded within the muscular layer of the digestive tract. It lies between the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. This complex network of neurons and glial cells plays a vital role in regulating gastrointestinal motility, which includes the coordinated contractions that propel food through the digestive system.

The Auerbach's plexus is responsible for controlling the tone of the intestinal wall, the frequency and strength of peristaltic contractions, and the propagation of the peristaltic wave. It receives input from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which can modulate its activity. While the parasympathetic nervous system generally stimulates digestive processes and increases motility, the sympathetic nervous system typically inhibits them.

The neurons within the Auerbach's plexus are diverse and include motor neurons that directly innervate the smooth muscle, interneurons that connect different neurons within the plexus, and sensory neurons that detect mechanical and chemical stimuli within the gut. This intricate arrangement allows for a high degree of local control over digestive functions, independent of direct central nervous system command, although it is influenced by it. Dysfunction of the Auerbach's plexus can lead to various motility disorders, such as gastroparesis, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and Hirschsprung's disease.