Auerbach plexus

anatomy

Also known as: myenteric plexus

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

The Auerbach plexus, also known as the myenteric plexus, is a crucial part of the enteric nervous system within the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. It is located between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.12

The primary role of the Auerbach plexus is to control the involuntary muscle contractions, or peristaltic waves, that move food through the digestive system. It also helps regulate local muscle contractions for mixing and churning food, promotes the secretion of digestive juices, and controls the opening of sphincters to allow food passage. While extrinsic nerves also influence digestion, the basic functions of the Auerbach plexus can continue even without them.12

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digestive nerve plexus
…involved: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s plexus) and the submucous plexus (Meissner’s plexus). The myenteric plexus is situated between the circular muscle layer and the longitudinal muscle layer in the lower esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The submucous plexus, as its name implies, is located in the submucosal tissue, which connects…
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…involved: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s plexus) and the submucous plexus (Meissner’s plexus). The myenteric plexus is situated between the circular muscle layer and the longitudinal muscle layer in the lower esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The submucous plexus, as its name implies, is located in the submucosal tissue, which connects…
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human nervous system
Enteric nervous system
…the gut, is called the Auerbach, or myenteric, plexus. Neurons of this plexus regulate peristaltic waves that move digestive products from the oral to the anal opening. In addition, myenteric neurons control local muscular contractions that are responsible for stationary mixing and churning. The innermost group of neurons is called…
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…the gut, is called the Auerbach, or myenteric, plexus. Neurons of this plexus regulate peristaltic waves that move digestive products from the oral to the anal opening. In addition, myenteric neurons control local muscular contractions that are responsible for stationary mixing and churning. The innermost group of neurons is called…
Read More