Abstract
We examined the number of nerve cells of the myenteric plexus and the thickness of the smooth muscle in the small intestine in autopsy material of 6 young and 6 old persons. Neurons in the myenteric plexus have been visualised by a nonhistochemical method (Giemsa) in laminar preparations of the muscularis externa. Significant reductions of at least 34% in the number of neurons in the ganglia of the myenteric plexus of the old subjects were recorded in all regions of the small intestine, especially in the duodenum where the number of neurons decreased by over 38%. However, there was no significant correlation between nerve cell count and thickness of intestinal smooth muscle since no difference was found in thickness of intestinal smooth muscle between young and old subjects. The decrease in the neuron density with age could affect the potential of the enteric nervous system to influence control over several small intestinal functional parameters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
