Regulation of gut function Flashcards
What ganglia innervate the stomach, small intestine and colon?
coeliac ganglion - Stomach
superior mesenteric ganglion - Small intestine + ascending large intestine
inferior mesenteric and pelvic ganglion - Transverse colon to rectum
What is the neurotransmitter used in the sympathetic NS innervating the GI tract?
Norepinephrine-Only at effector organs
Where do the pre-ganglionic sympathetic neurones arise from in the spinal cord that innervate the stomach and colon?
Thoracic and lumbar spinal cord
Stomach (T6-9)
Colon (L2-5)
What does activation of the sympathetic NS do to the GI tract?
Inhibits its activities
What are the divisions of the GI tract NS?
How is the stomach, small intestine and proximal colon parasympathetically innervated?
Vagus nerve
What NT is used in the parasympathetic innervation of the stomach, small intestine and the proximal colon and where do the preganglionic neurones originate from?
ACh
Preganglionic neurons originate in dorsal vagal complex within brainstem from sacral spinal cord.
What does activation of the parasympathetic NS do to the GI tract?
Stimulates its activities
In the GI sympathetic NS, are the ganglia close or far from the effector organs?
Far
In the GI parasympathetic NS, are the ganglia close or far from the effector organs?
Close
What are the NTs in the GI NS?
ACh everywhere apart from sympathetic target organs
Where are neurones myelinated/unmyelinated in the GI NS?
Myelinated pre-ganglionically, Unmyelinated post-ganglionically
What is a plexus?
A network of interconnecting nerves
Where are the plexuses of the GI tract enteric(intrinsic) NS and which intestinal layers are they in?
Meissner’s plexus-Submucosa
Auerbach’s plexus-Muscularis Propria
What is the general function of the enteric NS?
“The 2nd brain”
Autonomous
Can also interact with sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
The wall of the gastrointestinal tract contains many neurons – 2nd only to the brain
What is the function of Meissner’s(Submucosal) plexus?
Senses the local environment (gut lumen)
Controls secretion, blood flow, epithelial and endocrine cell function
What is the function of Auerbach’s(Myenteric) plexus?
Controls activity of muscularis propria
Controls gut motor (motility) function
tone, velocity of contraction and intensity of contraction.