These neurons in the abdomen help form the gut-brain connection

The finding, reported in the journal Nature, helps explain how clusters of neurons in the body play a key role in the gut-brain connection, a complex two-way communication system between the brain and digestive system. It also adds to the evidence that neurons in the body can take on specialized functions, 'just like in the brain,' says Yuki Oka, an author of the study.

'You have specific neurons within this system that are performing a wide variety of functions, either with the brain's help or sometimes even without the brain's input,' says Frank Duca of the University of Arizona, who was not involved in the study.

The sympathetic nervous system becomes active when the brain detects danger. 'Your adrenaline goes up and your glucose level in the blood is really high because you need to fight or flight,' Oka says, emphasizing how the system prioritizes immediate responses.

We looked at one of those big ganglia that controls the lower gut function, including the intestine, spleen, stomach and liver. The team found two distinct types of cells, with distinctly different jobs.

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