The Enteric Nervous System

The enteric nervous system is a collection of neurons in the gastrointestinal tract1 that constitutes the “brain of the gut” and can function independently of the central nervous system.2 This system controls the motility,3,4 exocrine and endocrine secretions,5 and microcirculation6 of the gastrointestinal tract; it is also involved in regulating immune and inflammatory processes.7 In the past decade, major advances in the understanding of the enteric nervous system have led to a greater appreciation of its importance in clinical medicine. In this review we highlight some of these advances.Development of the Enteric Nervous SystemThe enteric nervous system . . .