Gut motility Flashcards
Why do we need motility within the GI tract
- To propel ingesta along the tract
- To retain ingesta at a given site for digestion/ absorption/ storage
- To physically break up food material and mix it with digestive secretions
- To circulate ingesta so that it comes into contact with absorptive substances
How is motility achieved in the GI tract (3 ways)
1) Peristalsis
2) Mechanical digestion
3) Mixing
What does mechanical digestion mean?
Involuntary contractions and relaxations of muscles in the tract to help break down food.
What are the 3 regulations of motility in the GI tract?
1) Neural
2) Hormonal
3) Myogenic
What parts of the nervous system are responsible for motility (in a neural sense)
- ANS (inc sympathetic and parasympathetic)
- ENS (this uses the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexus)
What 3 types of hormone are responsible for motility in the GI tract?
- Classical hormones (endocrine)
- Local hormones (paracrine)
- Neurohormone (neurocrine)
How are endocrine substances transported?
Classical hormones are carried by the blood from endocrine cells to target cells
How are paracrine substances transported?
Local hormones diffuse through interstitial fluid and act on target cells in the immediate vicinity of the secretory cell
How are neurocrine substances transported?
Neurohormones are released from neurones and transported by blood to target cells.
What does myogenic control of motility refer to?
The intrinsic/ natural rhythm of the GI muscularate
How is the parasympathetic nervous system involved in the motility of the GI tract?
- Relies on the vagus nerve down to the level of the transverse colon and then pelvic nerves to the rest of the tract
- Activation of parasympathetic nervous system usually stimulates activity of the GI tract
- Contributes to rest and digest response
How is the sympathetic nervous system involved in the motility of the GI tract?
- Relies on pathway via postganglionic adrenergic fibres which terminate in the submucosal and myenteric plexus
- Activation of the sympathetic nervous system inhibits activity of the the GI tract
- Contributes to fight/ flight response
What are interneurones?
Interneurones are nerves that connect the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexus
What is the role of interneurones?
Interneurones within the plexus connect affect neurones with efferent neurones to smooth muscle (forming reflex arcs within the wall of the GI tract).
What do axons from neurones in the plexus innervate?
- Smooth muscle cells in the muscularis externa and muscularis mucosae
- Secretory cells in the mucosa and submucosa
- Intramural endocrine cells
- Blood vessels