Myenteric plexus

The myenteric plexus (also known as the Auerbach plexus) (plural: plexuses) refers to a network of nerves between the layers of the muscular propria in the gastrointestinal system. Among other things, the plexus helps regulate peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract.

The plexus is part of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and is partly regulated by the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).

Disorders of the myenteric plexus may lead to a number of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Classic examples include achalasia of the esophagus and Hirschsprung disease of the colon which are due at least partly to loss of ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus.