GI Motility class Flashcards
What do circular muscle contractions decrease?
diameter of the segment
What do longitudinal muscle contractions decrease?
the length of the segment
Esophagus, stomach (antrum), small intestine and all tissues involved in mixing and propulsion have what type of muscle contractions?
phasic
What are slow waves?
are depolarization and repolarization of the membrane potential
originates in the interstitial cells of Cajal
NE (increases/decreases) the amplitude of slow waves
decreases
Where is the swallowing center located?
in the medulla
Food in the mouth is detected by somatosensory receptors near ______
the pharynx
Afferent info from the mouth is carried to the medulla via what nerves during the swallowing reflux?
vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves
In the circuit involved in the swallowing reflex, what do the efferent signals connect to?
input to striated m of the pharynx and upper esophagus
*Food in pharynx-> afferent sensory input via vagus/gloss->swallowing center (medulla)->brain stem nuclei->efferent input to pharynx
Describe the oral phase during swallowing
the only voluntary phase
striated m
tongue forcing bolus towards pharynx which contains high density of somatosensory receptors
What receptors initiate the involuntary swallowing reflux in the medulla?
somatosensory receptors
Is the pharyngeal phase voluntary or involuntary? what type of muscle is involved?
involuntary
straited m - pharynx and upper part of esophagus
What are the actions during pharyngeal phase?
Passage of food through pharynx into esophagus
soft palate rises and closes of nasopharynx
epiglottis covers opening of larynx
UES relaxes
Swallowing reflex inhibits respiratory center
ends with peristaltic wave initiated in pharynx
The esophageal phase is controlled by what 2 things?
swallowing reflex - responsible for closing UES
and ENS
During the esophageal phase, there are two types of peristaltic waves. Describe the primary peristaltic wave
Continuation of pharyngeal peristalsis
controlled by medulla
CANNOT occur after vagotomy
During the esophageal phase, there are two types of peristaltic waves. Describe the secondary peristaltic wave
Occurs if primary contraction fails to empty the esophagus or when gastric contents reflux into the esophagus
induced by distention
repeats until bolus gone
Swallowing center and ENS involved
Can happen in absence of oral and pharyngeal phases and after vagotomy
Mid and lower esophagus consists of _____ muscle and are strongly controlled by what?
smooth
vagus nerves that act through the myenteric nervous system
If vagus nerve is cut, how can secondary peristaltic waves occur?
myenteric plexus becomes excitable enough after several days to cause 2ndary waves
When does gastroesophageal reflux occur?
when intra-abdominal pressure is increased
seen in obesity and pregnancy
What three parts of the upper GI tract are above atmospheric pressure and why?
UES and LES - High pressure because they are closed
Below the diaphragm (pressures in the body of the esophagus are similar to those within the body cavity in which the esophagus lies)
Fundus - because there is some contraction
The intrathoracic location of the esophagus poses a challenge. Keeping air out of the esophagus at the upper end and keeping acidic gastric contents out of the lower end. How are the problems solved?
both UES and LES are closed, except when food bolus is passing from pharynx to esophagus to stomach
The opening of the LES is mediated by what?
peptidergic fibers of the vagal nerve
How does the vagal input on the LES relax the sphincter?
release of vasointestinal peptide (VIP)
Role of nitric oxide (NO) a neurotransmitter involved in relaxation of LES has been proposed
Gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD) happens in 1/10 people. What happens with GERD and what are some symptoms?
Abnormal relaxation of LES
Backwash of acid, pepsin, and bile into esophagus
Heartburn, chest pain, dysphagia, acid reflux,
What can GERD lead to?
stricture of esophagus
Asthma
Chronic sinus infection
Barrett’s esophagus
What is achalasia?
Impaired peristalsis
Lack of LES relaxation during swallowing and back up of food
Causes: lack of VIP or enteric system has been knocked out
Elevation of LES resting pressure
Damage to nerves maybe due to immune system
WEIGHT LOSS occurs!
What happens during receptive relaxation in the orad region of the stomach?
to receive the food bolus in the stomach the pressure decreases and the volume of the orad region increases
Vagovagal reflux
Describe the activity in the orad region of the stomach
Minimal contractile activity
little mixing of ingested food
CCK decreases contractions and increase gastric distensibility