Physio - GI motility (edited) Flashcards
How are smooth muscle cells in GI tract functionally coupled?
- are connected by nexus that allow fast communiction bw cells and enables them to contract together
2 different types of contraction of GI tract
- Phasic– Short contraction (peristalsis) 2. Tonic– Can last for hours until inhibited (sphincters)
T/F. Chewing is both voluntary & reflexive.
TRUE (stretch reflex) *we dont have to continuously think about chewing when eating
3 Functions of chewing
- Break down food 2. Lubricate with saliva 3. Increase surface area for chemical digestion
When bolus contacts the back of the pharynx, ________ contract.
Superior constrictor muscles -> afferent innervation sends signal to swallowing center in medulla -> sends efferent signals via nonvagal nuclei to contract muscles of pharynx & esophagus
As food moves through pharynx, ____ is closed off by epiglottis & bolus enters the _____.
Trachea; esophagus *Peristaltic movement is initiated in esophagus
The esophagus closes once bolus has passed through to prevent _____.
Reflux of material back into esophagus *Inferior constrictor muscles
Upper esophageal sphincter pressure is greater/less than atmospheric pressure.
Greater.
Below UES through diaphragm, the pressure is greater/less than atmospheric pressure.
Less. *thorax has negative pressure
Below diaphragm, the pressure is greater/less than the atmospheric pressure.
Greater.
Primary peristalsis
Initiated by a swallow
Secondary peristalsis
Not initiated by a swallow e.g. to clear any residual obstructions not cleared by the primary peristaltic wave
Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid reflux from stomach into esophagus - mucosa of stomach is unaffected by acid but the esophagus is susceptible to acid damage. *heart burn
Some causes of GERD
Hiatal hernia Pregnancy Failure of secondary peristalsis
Orad area of the stomach
Few & weak contractions Primary function is storage Contains oxyntic glands
Pyloric gland area of the stomach
Very strong muscular contractions
Achalasia
Due to absence of ganglion in esophagus that contains VIP. Becomes contracted and material doesn’t move through it. Also possible in colon.
Functional areas of the stomach
Orad (oxyntic gland) and Antrum.