Enteric nervous system in the colon (ENS (colon))

The **enteric nervous system in the colon** comprises hundreds of millions of neurons organized into two main plexuses—the myenteric (Auerbach's) and submucosal (Meissner's) plexuses. This network regulates essential activities such as propulsion of colonic contents (peristalsis), secretion, absorption, and modulation of local immune responses. The ENS operates semi-autonomously from the brain and spinal cord and uses over 30 neurotransmitters shared with the CNS, including acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine. Dysfunction in the enteric nerves of the colon contributes significantly to gastrointestinal and neurological diseases, positioning the ENS as a critical therapeutic target for both motility and gut-brain axis disorders[1][2][3][5][6].

Other names

ENS (colon)Colon ENSEnteric neurons (colon)"Second brain" in the colonIntrinsic colonic nerves

Modulation of neurotransmitter release (e.g., acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, nitric oxide); Direct stimulation or inhibition of neural ganglia (affecting motility and secretion); Interactions with interstitial cells of Cajal to coordinate muscle contractions; Targeting signal transduction in enteric microcircuits