ENS part of PNS?
The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is a part of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which is directly controlling the gastro-intestinal (GI) system. The ENS receives considerable excitations from the ANS. The ENS has been described as the “2nd brain”, because it can operate autonomously.
The ENS communicates mostly with the ANS through its parasympathetic vagus nerve and sympathetic prevertebral ganglia. Studies show that when the vagus nerve is severed, the ENS continues working.
Many research papers detail how the ENS mirrors the CNS. Just like the skull-brain, this system sends and receives impulses, records experiences and responds to emotions. Its nerve cells are influenced by the same neurotransmitters.
These cells are located in the sheaths of tissue lining the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (8.5 meters). The network of over 100 million neurons, neurotransmitters, and proteins zap messages between them and support cells like those found in the brain.
It’s complex circuitry enables it to act independently, learn, remember, and produce gut feelings.
