Which of the following statements regarding the myenteric plexus of the colon is/are correct?

a. The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular layers of the bowel wall

c. The density of neurons with the colonic plexuses decreases along the length of the bowel

d. Neurons of the myenteric plexus control the motor function of the colon

Similar to other regions of the gut, two groups of plexuses exist within the wall of the colon. The submucosal plexus is located between the muscularis mucosa and the circular muscle layer of the muscularis propria. Sandwiched between the circular muscle and the outer longitudinal muscle is the myenteric plexus. The myenteric plexus appears to be intimately involved with colonic motility. The plexus is composed of ganglia and clusters of nerve cell bodies that are linked together by bundles of nerve processes. Although the myenteric plexus is well developed throughout the entire length of the colon, the density of nerve cells is greatest in the proximal one third of the colon, similar to the density that exists throughout the small intestine. The physiologic significance of this organization remains to be defined, but probably contributes to the different motility patters that exist throughout the large bowel.