Neuroscience

Biology

Cognition

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis

Psychiatry

Endocrine system

Immunology

Immune system

Psychology

Gut–brain axis

Central nervous system

Internal medicine

Gastrointestinal tract

Hormone

Mood

Gut flora

Medicine

PubMed

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network that links the enteric and central nervous systems. This network is not only anatomical, but it extends to include endocrine, humoral, metabolic, and immune routes of communication as well. The autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and nerves within the gastrointestinal tract, all link the gut and the brain, allowing the brain to influence intestinal activities, including activity of functional immune effector cells; and the gut to influence mood, cognition, and mental health.

The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health.