X-Message-Number: 14127 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2000 11:19:34 From: "Henry R. Hirsch" <> Subject: Enteric Nervous System July 20, 2000 The enteric nervous system is a motor (as contrasted to sensory) system which controls the movements of the gastrointestinal tract - mainly the small intestine. Most of its activity is reflex. It is not involved in consciousness as suggested by the fact that it is innervated by the autonomic ("automatic") nervous system. For a brief clear description of the enteric nervous system, take a look at Vander, Sherman and Luciano, "Human Physiology", 8'th edn. pp 559, 566, and 567. This is the book I use for my undergraduate physiology course, and it is very good for basic information. Hank Hirsch --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry R. Hirsch Department of Physiology Phone: (859)323-5438 MS508 Chandler Medical Center Fax: (859)323-1070 University of Kentucky E-Mail: Lexington, KY 40536-0298 USA Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=14127