HS 2211 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Discussion Forum Unit 6 Nerves and Digestion Assess how the enteric nervous system supports the digestive system. What might occur that could result in the autonomic nervous system having a negative impact on digestion? Demonstrate your understanding of the material presented in Chapter 23 by correctly defining and using at least 4 anatomic and/or physiologic terms related to the structural and/or functional organization of the human digestive system as related to the clinical scenario you introduce to your readers. Your discussion must be at least 250 words in length, detailing your thoughts and position using 2 references from the readings for support. Also be sure to pose 1-2 well thought out questions from which your colleagues can formulate a response or generate further discussion. Be sure to cite any references using APA format. The enteric nervous system is responsible for the internal innervations of the gastrointestinal tracts, and it provides motor,sensory, absorptive and
secretory functions. The enteric nervous system extends from the esophagus to the anus (OpenStax, 2018). It consists of a wide array of motor, sensory, and interneurons. The autonomic nervous system provides extrinsic innervations to the alimentary canal (OpenStax, 2018). The ANS (autonomic nervous system) consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves (OpenStax, 2018). The sympathetic nerves, which are essentially stress responses, tend to minimize the activity of the neurons in the enteric system and hence decreasing secretion and motility of the GI tract (OpenStax, 2018). The parasympathetic responses activate the increase in secretion and motility of the GI tracts by stimulating the ENS neurons (OpenStax, 2018). This means that the autonomic nervous system is able to either increase or decrease digestion (OpenStax, 2018). One example in which the autonomic nervous system can play a negative role in digestion is seen in patients of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. People with IBS displayed an increased activation of the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) function while displaying an impaired activation of the parasympathetic functions (Mazur et al., 2012). Individuals experiencing this had higher levels of catecholamine concentration. Catecholamine is a neurohormone that is vital in stress responses and high levels of these neurohormones can lead to increased heart rate, chest pain, headaches, and anxiety (National Cancer Institute, n.d.). We can posit that individuals
with high levels of this neurohormone are experiencing an over-activation of the sympathetic system (Mazur et al., 2012). This can cause a decline in gastric and intestinal activity and motility. QUESTION: As we have established in previous readings, there is a clear and distinct relationship between the endocrine and nervous system. Additionally, how psychological health can also impact and be impacted by these physiological systems. With our knowledge of the sympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system, how do you think our mental health can impact our digestion? Reference Mazur, M., Furgala, A.,Jablonski, K., Mach, T., & Thor, P. (2012). Autonomic nervous system activity in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients. Medical Science Monitor, 18(8). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560712/