“Key Learning Objectives:

– Understand the importance of a gut-brain communication system

– Learn about signaling pathways in the gut-brain axisLearn how the gut microbiota influences brain function

– Discover how the gut microbiota can be targeted to influence brain function

WHAT IS THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS?

The gut, its microbes, and the brain are connected by a complex communication and regulation system called the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis (also known as brain-gut axis, microbiota-gut-brain axis, gut-brain connection) is a bidirectional signaling network made up of neurons, hormones, immune cells, and microbial molecules.[1,2] It is part of a larger system that informs the brain of the internal state and health of our body. This sense is called interoception and it’s crucial for the maintenance of physiological balance in our body, a state known as homeostasis.[3] “

What is The Gut-Brain Axis? An Exploration of The Communication Pathways Between The Brain, The Gut, And The Microbiota