The second brain is located at ...

Almost all of us know that the brain is at the head, but there is little doubt that there is a second brain, and it is in . buttocks.

It is actually not a literal brain, but an independent tissue consisting of millions of neurons and somehow, without the help of the central nervous system, it has the ability to control intestinal muscles. In addition, these neurons are not actually located on the buttocks, but are distributed in the large intestine - a tubular organ that connects the small intestine to the rectum, which carries out the remaining food secretion in the final digestive step. .

Scientists have called the information transmission region in this large intestine the intestinal nervous system (ENS) , and because it can function without the instructions of the brain or spine, so sometimes it It is also favored to be called another 'second brain'. However, no one dares to claim how smart this independent brain is. However, according to Jneurosci Magazine on May 29 about a study conducted on mice, the answer is probably 'it is extremely smart.'

Mammals are thought to have a 'second brain' (gut brain) in the gut.(Photo: Shutterstock).

'ENS contains millions of neurons, necessary for the organization of intestinal functions ', the team comes from Australia who have been observing the diligent activity of the 'second brain' by using imaging techniques. Combined high-precision neurons - said. When stimulating the large intestine of the mouse alone with mild electroshock therapy, the scientists found a 'novel combination neuron transmission model' - which corresponds directly to muscle movements in the large intestine. .

This synchronous, rhythmic neuronal activity helps separate intestinal muscles to function properly, and ensures colonic contraction - also known as 'intestinal transfer muscle complex' (colonic migrating motor). complexes) - keep the stool excreted in the body in the right direction with a steady pace.

'The findings suggest that the intestinal nervous system can work with muscles over time, and through significant distances throughout the length of the colon.' Besides, the researchers also said that such a sequence of neuron synchronization is also common in the early stages of brain development, thereby asking the question: is the neuron transmission model in The colon is also the 'original' property that has been retained since the early days of the intestinal nervous system?

Furthermore, some scientists hypothesize: the intestinal nervous system may have evolved before both the central nervous system, and the neuronal transmission model in the large intestine is also the first characteristic of the brain. works on the human body. If this is true, then the 'buttock brain' is really the 'first' , not the 'second'. And so, it can be said that the brain evolution in mammals, first of all to eliminate feces, and then to take on more complicated tasks.

Although this is the first time we have found such a model of neuronal transmission in the large intestine, and until now only in mice, the researchers are confident that their discovery is completely available. can be applied to many other mammals. However, in order to better understand the capacity of the intestinal nervous system in the human body, we need to have more in-depth research.