Myenteric Plexus (Noun)
Meaning
A plexus of unmyelinated fibers and postganglionic autonomic cell bodies in the muscular coat of the esophagus and stomach and intestines.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The myenteric plexus is a complex network of nerve fibers that controls the contractions and relaxations of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Damage to the myenteric plexus can lead to gastrointestinal motility disorders, such as gastroparesis or constipation.
- The myenteric plexus is responsible for regulating the movement of food through the digestive system, from the esophagus to the intestines.
- Dysfunction of the myenteric plexus has been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
- The myenteric plexus is often referred to as the "little brain" of the gut, due to its ability to function independently of the central nervous system.