The primary role of the nervous system in digestion is to provide electrical signals to initiate peristalsis. The enteric nervous system, often referred to as the "second brain," is a part of the autonomic nervous system that specifically governs the gastrointestinal tract. It coordinates the movements of the digestive organs by sending electrical signals that initiate peristalsis (the wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive tract).
While the nervous system does play a role in the broader regulatory functions of digestion and overall bodily functions, such as signaling for the release of enzymes and coordinating the movement of nutrients, the direct initiation and regulation of peristalsis are among its key functions in the process of digestion.