Myenteric plexus

The **myenteric plexus (Auerbach plexus)** is a network of neurons forming a major part of the enteric nervous system, located between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the intestinal wall[1][3][4][7]. It coordinates intestinal muscle activity, mediating peristalsis and overall gut motility, and integrates signals from the central and autonomic nervous systems[1][2][3][4][6][7]. Dysfunction of the myenteric plexus is implicated in motility disorders (such as Hirschsprung disease and achalasia) and is affected by drugs acting on enteric neurons, such as opioids (which reduce gut motility by targeting neuronal signaling within the plexus)[7]. The plexus itself is a multicellular structure, not a specific receptor, enzyme, or molecular target, so it is not considered a therapeutic target per se, but rather a functional anatomical network whose neuronal components may be targeted indirectly.

Other names

Auerbach plexusplexus myentericus

Inhibition or modulation of neurotransmitter release on myenteric neurons (e.g., opioids reduce acetylcholine release, slowing gut motility)