Abstract
The mesenteric nervous system relies heavily on the harmonious relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems of the human body. Regulation of blood flow within the mesentery consists of the splanchnic circulation, which is innervated by the sympathetic and spinal sensory nerves. Together these nerve systems innervate mesenteric vasculature to provide blood pressure regulation. Mesentery arteries and veins have been shown to react differently to single and repetitive stimuli. There is limited data regarding innervation of lymphatic vessels of the mesentery, however, there are multiple hypotheses such as passive lymphatic flow versus active nearby smooth muscle contraction leading to lymph vessel contraction. The vagus nerve is important for maintenance of the homeostasis between pro and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the mesentery and the bowel. Acetylcholine and norepinephrine produced by the autonomic nervous system interact with additional local factors including substance P, and Toll-like receptors to regulate pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines with the mesentery and the gastrointestinal tract.
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Patel, A., Prochot, J., Ehrenpreis, E.D. (2021). Neurophysiologic Function of the Mesentery. In: Ehrenpreis, E.D., Alverdy, J.C., Wexner, S.D. (eds) The Mesenteric Organ in Health and Disease. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71963-0_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71963-0_12
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