The dogma that muscle responses seen when the investigator stretches the intestinal wall or stimulates the mucosa reflect a classic reflex can be challenged. No limb equivalent to the afferent limb of a spinal motor reflex has been identified unequivocally in the ENS. Central pattern generators are neural circuits, which generate organized and repetitive motor patterns independent of their sensory input. Central pattern generators rather than afferent-evoked reflexes are postulated to be responsible for the patterns of propulsive contractile behavior and secretion, which recur rhythmically when distension is maintained above threshold or during mucosal application of nutrients or paracrine mediators.