U3 AOS1 The gut–brain axis

Question 1

Gut–brain axis
(GBA)

Answer 1

the connection
between the
central nervous
system and
the enteric
nervous system,
that enables
bidirectional
communication
between the
brain and the
gastrointestinal
tract

Question 2

Enteric nervous
system (ENS)

Answer 2

a subdivision of
the autonomic
nervous system;
it consists of
nerve cells
lining the
gastrointestinal
tract and
controls the
digestive system

Question 3

Vagus nerve

Answer 3

a nerve that
connects the
brain (central
nervous system)
to organs within
the autonomic
nervous system,
via nerve fibres
that directly link
organs such as
the lungs, heart,
oesophagus and
intestinal tract

Question 4

Gut

Answer 4

the
gastrointestinal
tract or long
tube that starts
at the mouth
and ends at the
anus

Question 5

Gut microbiota

Answer 5

the microbe
population
found in the
gut (digestive
system)

Question 6

Microbe

Answer 6

a microscopic
living thing
found in water,
soil and the air