Which statement best describes the relationship between the enteric and autonomic nervous systems in the GI tract?

Which statement best describes the relationship between the enteric and autonomic nervous systems in the GI tract?

• A. The enteric nervous system operates independently of autonomic input.
• B. Digestion is controlled solely by hormones, not nerves.
• C. Parasympathetic and sympathetic inputs do not influence GI function.
• D. The autonomic nervous system modulates GI activity through parasympathetic and sympathetic inputs.

Answer: (D)

The GI system is governed by a collaboration between the enteric nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The enteric nervous system can coordinate local reflexes and govern motility and secretions on its own, but it does so under modulation from the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic system adjusts this activity through parasympathetic input, which generally enhances gut motility and secretions, and sympathetic input, which tends to dampen motility and secretions and can reduce blood flow to the gut. So the best description is that the autonomic nervous system modulates GI activity via these parasympathetic and sympathetic influences. The other statements are inaccurate because digestion is not controlled solely by hormones, and the autonomic nervous system does influence GI function, even though the ENS can operate locally.

The GI system is governed by a collaboration between the enteric nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The enteric nervous system can coordinate local reflexes and govern motility and secretions on its own, but it does so under modulation from the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic system adjusts this activity through parasympathetic input, which generally enhances gut motility and secretions, and sympathetic input, which tends to dampen motility and secretions and can reduce blood flow to the gut. So the best description is that the autonomic nervous system modulates GI activity via these parasympathetic and sympathetic influences. The other statements are inaccurate because digestion is not controlled solely by hormones, and the autonomic nervous system does influence GI function, even though the ENS can operate locally.