Video - Enteric nervous system

The enteric nervous system (ENS), also known as the intrinsic nervous system, is a division of the autonomic nervous system that controls the gastrointestinal tract. It is a network of more than 100 million nerve cells (neurons) in the wall of the gut, from the esophagus to the anus. The ENS can operate independently from the brain and spinal cord, meaning that you can still digest food even if you're unconscious.

However, it is affected by the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes digestion; and the sympathetic nervous system, which inhibits digestion. The ENS helps to regulate digestive functions such as digestion, absorption, and motility (movement of food through the gut). It also helps to control blood flow to and from the digestive organs, and t o activate immune cells in the gut.