Enteric nervous system: functional organization and neurologic implications.

摘要

The enteric nervous system (ENS) derives from the neural crest and consists of neurons distributed in two ganglionated plexuses, myenteric and submucosal, located within the walls of the gut. The ENS contains as many neurons as the spinal cord (approximately 80-100 million neurons) and controls intestinal motility and secretion largely independently of influences from the CNS. The ENS is affected by Lcwy body pathology at early stages of PD,and hy many genetic or immune9'10 neurologic disorders associated with gastrointestinal dysmotility. The aim of this paper is to briefly review the functional and neurochemi-cal organization of the ENS and its involvement in neurologic disorders. There are recent comprehensive reviews on these subjects.