The Innervation of the Gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

Neural control of digestive function is exerted by extrinsic vagal, sympathetic and pelvic pathways and intrinsic reflexes of the enteric nervous system. Survival is possible without extrinsic control, but not without the enteric nervous system. Vagal sensory neurons convey information, primarily about the state of the esophagus and upper abdominal organs to integrative centers in the brain stem and motor pathways from these centers control functions of the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas. The enteric nervous system, the largest grouping of neurons outside the central nervous system, contains complete reflex circuits that influence small and large intestine function, principally..