Central control of gastrointestinal motility

Purpose of review This review summarizes the organization and structure of vagal neurocircuits controlling the upper gastrointestinal tract, and more recent studies investigating their role in the regulation of gastric motility under physiological, as well as pathophysiological, conditions. Recent findings Vagal neurocircuits regulating gastric functions are highly plastic, and open to modulation by a variety of inputs, both peripheral and central. Recent research in the fields of obesity, development, stress, and neurological disorders highlight the importance of central inputs onto these brainstem neurocircuits in the regulation of gastric motility. Recognition of the pivotal role that the central nervous system exerts in the regulation, integration, and modulation of gastric motility should serve to encourage research into central mechanisms regulating peripheral motility disorders.