Humans Have A "Second Brain" In Their Stomach Lining

Microbiome: Bacterial Broadband

The involvement of intestinal bacteria in gut-brain communication could help to explain the mysteries of irritable bowel syndrome, but the search continues for definitive evidence.

Michael Eisenstein | May 19, 2016

Most people prefer to imagine a healthy distance between their brain and colon, but in fact the two are intimately linked. Neuronal lines of communication help the brain to control the digestive process, and messages relayed back by the gut can influence both perception and behaviour.
Evidence for another important player in this dialogue is coming to light. The human digestive tract is host to a massive and diverse community of bacteria that aid digestion and strengthen immunity — and over the past decade, scientists have observed that the gut microbiota also interact with the central nervous system (CNS). As a result, mental health and even neurological development might both shape and be shaped by the composition and behaviour of these bacteria.

Source: https://curiosity.com/memes/the-second-brain-in-your-stomach/#meme-the-strange-location-of-your-second-brain-braincraft

<more at http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v533/n7603_supp/full/533S104a.html; related articles and links: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-brain-gut-connection (The Brain-Gut Connection. April 2016); related articles and links: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-18779997 (+Video) (The second brain in our stomachs. July 11, 2012)>