Development of the enteric nervous system

Abstract

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest and the most complex division of the peripheral nervous system [1]. The ENS contains more neurons than the spinal cord and is capable of mediating reflex activity in the absence of central nervous system. About 80-100 million enteric neurons can be classified into functional distinct subpopulations, including intrinsic primary neurons, interneurons, motor neurons, secretomotor and vasomotor neurons [2]. The ENS plays a crucial role in normal gastrointestinal motility. Therefore insights into the development of the gastrointestinal tract and the ENS are relevant for the understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of infants and children with motility disorders. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.