In news that may seem to have come straight out of the…behinds of scientists, humans may be in possession of a “second brain” in our booty!
Yes, there may be a brain… in… our… butts.
Scientists from Flinders University published their findings in JNeorosci. In what can be only described as a “crack” breakthrough, they discovered a large number of neurons living in the colons of mice that controls muscle movement independent from the central nervous system (CNS).
The enteric nervous system (ENS) has been referred to the ‘first brain’ because there has been speculation that the ENS actually evolved before the CNS.
It has been long known of the role the ENS played in the generation of motor activity in the colon, however, the challenge up until now has been observing the ENS neurons in action.
“These findings identify a previously unknown pattern of neuronal activity in the peripheral nervous system,” said Professor Nick Spencer via press release.
Although Professor Spencer and his team made their discovery looking into the colons of mice, there may be a possibility that their findings can also be applicable to humans as well.
“We can use this as a blueprint to understand how dysfunctional neurogenic motor patterns may arise along the colon,” Spencer said.
So the next time you start to get mad at a bad take, just remember that it’s entirely possible everyone on earth is talking out of their butts.
Who doesn’t, Lando?