Systementeric

Systementeric is a nonstandard term used in some discussions to describe the interface between systemic physiology and the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the gastrointestinal tract. It is not widely defined in medical dictionaries or formal nomenclature. In practice, authors usually refer to the gut–brain axis, the enteric nervous system, or systemic influences on gut function rather than using "systementeric."

Etymology and usage: The term combines "system" indicating body-wide processes with "enteric" referring to the intestine. Its precise meaning varies by author and is not universally adopted, reflecting its status as a neologism rather than a canonical term.

Relation to the enteric nervous system: The ENS is a semi-autonomous network of neurons within the GI tract wall that governs motility, secretion, and blood flow, and it communicates bidirectionally with the central nervous system and with circulating mediators such as hormones and cytokines. A systementeric perspective would highlight how systemic states—such as inflammation, metabolic changes, or pharmacologic agents—modulate ENS activity and, in turn, gut function.

Contexts and scope: The concept appears in discussions of gut–system interactions, pharmacokinetics of orally administered drugs, and the pathophysiology of disorders with systemic and GI components, such as sepsis-related gut dysfunction, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. However, most literature uses established terms instead of this neologism, and readers should rely on standard terminology for clarity.

See also: enteric nervous system; gut-brain axis; autonomic nervous system.