Myenteric nerve plexus. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through the myenteric nerve plexus of the intestinal tract, showing a collection of unmyelinated nerve fibres and neurosecretory synapses. The myenteric, or Auerbach's, plexus is a vast network of intrinsic nerve fibres and their cell bodies (ganglia) located between the layers of smooth muscle in the wall of the gut. It is part of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The events controlled, at least in part, by the ENS include: motor activity, secretion, absorption, blood flow, and interaction with other organs such as the gallbladder or pancreas. Although the ENS functions autonomously it is modified by an external nerve supply. Smooth muscle ie seen at the bottom of the image. Magnification: x8, 000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.