Myenteric Reflex

The Myenteric Reflex is one of the main physiological reflexes of the intestine. It belongs to the class of peristaltic reflexes and plays an important role in controlling the movement of food broth through the intestines.

When the intestines are irritated, such as by the passage of a bolus of food, nerve endings in the intestinal wall respond to this irritant. These nerve endings form the myenteric plexus, which is located between the lodgements of the round and longitudinal muscle fibers.

When the Myenteric reflex is activated, the intestinal muscle fibers above the point of irritation contract, and the fibers below the point of irritation relax. This allows the bolus of food to move forward through the intestines.

The myenteric reflex plays an important role in controlling the movement of food broth through the intestine and ensures its effective peristalsis. It can also be modified by other reflexes that are controlled by other plexuses located in the intestinal wall.

Some diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, may be associated with changes in the myenteric reflex. For example, patients with irritable bowel syndrome may have an overactive or underactive myenteric reflex, which can lead to symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea.

Thus, the myenteric reflex is an important component of normal intestinal physiology, and its alteration may be associated with various diseases. However, thanks to modern research methods, such as electromyography, we can more accurately study the Myenteric reflex and its role in intestinal pathology.



Myenteric Reflex: Physiological mechanism of intestinal contraction

The Myenteric Reflex is an important physiological reflex that ensures normal intestinal motility. This reflex controls the contraction of the intestines above the point of stimulation and relaxation below this point, allowing food masses to move down the intestines.

The physiological reflex of the Myenteric layer occurs in response to mechanical irritation of the intestinal wall. When food masses pass through the intestines, they put pressure on the intestinal wall and cause irritation of receptors that are located in the myenteric layer of the intestinal wall.

This reflex occurs as follows: when the receptors in the myenteric layer of the intestine are irritated, they transmit signals along nerve fibers to the site of irritation. The nerve fibers then transmit signals to other neurons located in the myenteric layer. These neurons, in turn, transmit signals further down the intestine, controlling intestinal contraction above the point of stimulation and relaxation below that point.

The Myenteric reflex also controls the speed at which food passes through the intestines. If food masses move too quickly, it can lead to insufficient digestion and poor absorption of nutrients. On the other hand, if food moves through the intestines too slowly, it can lead to constipation.

The myenteric reflex is a complex mechanism that ensures the normal functioning of the intestines. It has a significant impact on the digestive process and can be impaired in various intestinal diseases. Therefore, understanding the operation of this reflex is an important aspect for understanding the physiology of the intestine and its diseases.



The Myenteric Reflex is an important physiological process that occurs in the human intestine. This reflex belongs to the group of reflexes that control peristalsis and motor activity of the intestines.

The intestine consists of two large layers of smooth muscle tissue - circular and longitudinal. The Myenteric reflex controls the contraction and relaxation of the intestines above and below the point of irritation, respectively. The irritation point can be caused by various factors, such as the presence of food in the intestines, stimulation of nerve endings, or stretching of the intestinal wall.

When the point of irritation is located above the myenteric bundle, the intestine contracts above the point of irritation and relaxes below it. This process allows food to move down the intestines. If the point of irritation is located below the myenteric bundle, then contraction of the intestine occurs below the point of irritation and relaxation above it. This process allows food to be retained in the intestines and allows it to be absorbed and digested.

The Myenteric reflex is controlled by the nervous system and can be influenced by various factors such as stress, certain medications, diet changes and other factors. Disturbances in this reflex can lead to various diseases such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and others.

In conclusion, the Myenteric Reflex is an important process that controls intestinal motility. Understanding this process may help to more effectively treat various bowel diseases.



The myenteric reflex is one of the main physiological reflexes that allows you to regulate intestinal function. It occurs in response to irritation of sensory nerve endings in the intestinal wall.

When an irritant affects the intestine above its point of location, intestinal contraction occurs, which leads to an acceleration of the upward movement of intestinal contents. This is called the contraction reflex.

When the stimulus acts below the intestinal point, the intestines relax, which slows down the movement of intestinal contents. This is called the “relaxation reflex.”

Thus, the myenteric reflex plays an important role in regulating the functioning of the intestine and maintaining its normal functioning.