Second Brain

In my post yesterday, I talked about the celiac plexus and celiac ganglia. This got me thinking more about our nervous system and important it is.

I was doing a little more research this morning and learned about the enteric nervous system (from Wikipedia):

"The enteric nervous system (ENS) or intrinsic nervous system is one of the main divisions of the nervous system and consists of a mesh-like system of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract.[1] It is now usually referred to as separate from the autonomic nervous system since it has its own independent reflex activity. The ENS is also called the second brain."

Who knew we have a second brain, and its sole job is to govern the gastrointestinal tract! So interesting!

Also, the enteric nervous system can "taste" sweetness, just like our tongue!

"The enteric nervous system exhibits taste receptors similar to the ones in the tongue. The taste receptor TAS1R3 and the taste G protein gustducin are two of the most common. These receptors sense 'sweetness' on the tongue and sense glucose in the enteric nervous system. These receptors help regulate the secretion of insulin and other hormones that are responsible for controlling blood sugar levels.[9]"

How amazing that nerves can actually "taste'! And that shows just how important it is to be careful of glucose. And mindful that too much protein can create glucose through gluconeogenesis!

Very fascinating. Our bodies are so incredibly complicated, and we really are only just the infancy of understanding!

Grassfed lamb liver with beef marrow and sea salt