The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex neural network embedded in the gut wall that orchestrates the reflex behaviors of the intestine. The ENS is often referred to as the little brain in the gut because the ENS is more similar in size, complexity and autonomy to the central nervous system (CNS) than other components of the autonomic nervous system. Like the brain, the ENS is composed of neurons that are surrounded by glial cells. Enteric glia are a unique type of peripheral glia that are similar to astrocytes of the CNS. Yet enteric glial cells also differ from astrocytes in many important ways. The roles of enteric glial cell populations in the gut are beginning to come to light and recent evidence implicates enteric glia in almost every aspect of gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. However, elucidating the exact mechanisms by which enteric glia influence gastrointestinal physiology and identifying how those roles are altered during gastrointestinal pathophysiology remain areas of intense research. The purpose of this e-book is to provide an introduction to enteric glial cells and to act as a resource for ongoing studies on this fascinating population of glia.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN-13
9781615046607
eBay Product ID (ePID)
214412254
Product Key Features
Author
Brian D. Gulbransen
Publication Name
Enteric Glia
Format
Paperback
Language
English
Subject
Medicine
Publication Year
2014
Type
Textbook
Number of Pages
70 Pages
Dimensions
Item Height
235mm
Item Width
191mm
Item Weight
160g
Additional Product Features
Title_Author
Brian D. Gulbransen
Series Title
Colloquium Series on Neuroglia in Biology and Medicine: from Physiology to Disease
Country/Region of Manufacture
United States
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