Final answer:
The network of nervous tissue within the wall of the alimentary canal is known as a plexus, specifically the myenteric plexus for muscular movement and the submucosal plexus for secretion regulation, both of which are part of the enteric nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The network of nervous tissue within the wall of the alimentary canal is called a plexus. There are two main plexuses part of this system: the myenteric plexus (plexus of Auerbach) which is responsible for the motility of the muscularis layer, and the submucosal plexus (plexus of Meissner) which regulates digestive secretions and responses to the presence of food.
These plexuses are an integral part of the enteric nervous system, which can function independently from the central nervous system to regulate digestive activities.