The nerves of this plexus are derived from the myenteric plexus which itself is derived from the plexuses of parasympathetic nerves around the superior mesenteric artery.

Branches from the myenteric plexus perforate the circular muscle fibers to form the submucosal plexus.

Ganglia from the plexus extend into the muscularis mucosae and also extend into the mucous membrane.

Its function is to innervate cells in the epithelial layer and the smooth muscle of the muscularis mucosae.

[3] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1177 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)