Myenterischen

Myenterischen, in English often referred to as the myenteric plexus or Plexus myentericus, is a major component of the enteric nervous system. It is a network of neurons and glial cells located in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract between the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers. The myenteric plexus extends along the entire gut from the esophagus to the anal canal, though its density and organization vary regionally.

The primary role of the myenteric plexus is the regulation of gastrointestinal motility. It coordinates smooth muscle contractions that generate peristaltic waves and segmentation, helping to move and mix contents through the digestive tract while adjusting overall muscle tone. The plexus integrates sensory information from the gut wall and receives autonomic input from the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. Neurotransmitters within the plexus include acetylcholine, which generally excites muscle activity, and inhibitory signals such as nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Developmentally, the myenteric plexus arises from neural crest cells that migrate into the developing gut. It is named after Leopold Auerbach, who described the structure in the 19th century; its anatomical counterpart in the submucosa is the Meissner’s plexus, named after Georg Meissner.

Clinically, dysfunction of the myenteric plexus can lead to motility disorders. Hirschsprung disease, for example, involves absence of enteric neurons in affected segments, resulting in impaired relaxation and abnormal gut propulsion. The plexus can also be affected by inflammatory or degenerative conditions, surgical injury, or systemic neuropathies, with consequences for bowel movements and overall gastrointestinal function.