Digestive System: Nerve & Blood Supply - A Comprehensive Overview

Nerve Supply

The nerve supply of the digestive system is provided by the autonomic nervous system. The vagus nerve is the primary parasympathetic nerve that innervates a large part of the digestive system, from pharynx to descending colon. The sympathetic nerves are composed of thoracolumbar outflow (fibers arise from T5-L2 spinal cord segments).

Blood Supply

The digestive system is extensively supplied by the visceral branches of the abdominal portion of the aorta and branches of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries. The liver is the first organ after the stomach to receive oxygenated blood. The celiac artery supplies blood to stomach, duodenum, liver, spleen, and pancreas, while the superior mesenteric artery supplies the rest of the small intestines and colon. The rectum and anus are supplied by the inferior rectal arteries.