Brain-gut communication: vagovagal reflexes interconnect the two brains

The gastrointestinal tract has its own brain, the enteric nervous system or ENS, that executes routine housekeeping functions of digestion. The dorsal vagal complex in the central nervous system (CNS) brainstem, however, organizes vagovagal reflexes and establishes interconnections between the entire neuroaxis of the CNS and the gut. Thus, the dorsal vagal complex links the CNS brain to the ENS brain. This brain-gut connectome provides reflex adjustments that optimize digestion and assimilation of nutrients and fluid. Vagovagal circuitry also generates the plasticity and adaptability needed to maintain homeostasis to coordinate among organs and to react to environmental situations. Arguably, this dynamic flexibility provided by the vagal circuitry may, in some circumstances, lead to or complicate maladaptive disorders.

Automated summary

The gastrointestinal tract has its own brain, the enteric nervous system, which is linked to the central nervous system through the dorsal vagal complex. This brain-gut connectome provides reflex adjustments to optimize digestion and assimilation, helping to maintain internal balance and adapt to environmental situations. The plasticity and flexibility provided by the vagovagal circuitry may contribute to adaptive disorders in certain circumstances.