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How does the enteric nervous system control digestion?

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Diagram of a human figure showing the full nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and branching peripheral nerves throughout the body, with labels for each part. — human nervous system The conduction of electrochemical stimuli from sensory receptors in the human nervous system occurs via organized groups of specialized cells, consisting largely of neurons, various neural support cells, and tracts of nerve fibers.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates digestion through two primary networks of neurons embedded within the walls of the gastrointestinal tract: the Auerbach (myenteric) plexus and the Meissner (submucosal) plexus.12

Auerbach Plexus: Located between the gut's smooth-muscle layers, these neurons manage peristaltic waves that propel digestive products through the tract, as well as local muscular contractions for churning and mixing food.12
Meissner Plexus: Situated in the submucosal tissue, this network regulates glandular secretions, alters water and electrolyte transport, manages local blood flow, and controls the configuration of the luminal surface.12

These plexuses utilize three functional classes of neurons—sensory, interneurons, and motor neurons—to process mechanical or chemical stimuli from the gut and modulate target cells like mucous glands and smooth muscle. While the ENS can maintain basic digestive functions independently, it also receives modulatory input from the parasympathetic nervous system, which activates digestive processes, and the sympathetic nervous system, which inhibits them.1