Physiology of the GI tract and intro to Gut Microbiome Flashcards
what are the 3 basic movements that take place along the GI tract?
- peristalsis
- segmentation
- migrating motor complex (MMC)
peristalsis involves what?
entire GI tract, starting with esophagus
what is peristalsis?
waves of smooth muscle contractions that propel food bolus throughout GI tract
what type of movement can be stimulated or promoted by distention of smooth muscle cells?
peristalsis
what is the function of peristalsis?
propel food further along GI tract
what involves contraction behind (proximal) the food bolus and relaxation in front (distal) of the food bolus
peristalsis
where does segmentation occur?
within SI and LI
how is segmentation produced?
produced by the coordination of smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)
what is the function of segmentation?
promote mixing the food particles to increase interaction between the villi of the enterocytes and various food particles to promote absorption
where does migrating motor complex occurs?
within stomach and SI (and a few other locations)
what is migrating motor complex?
Small movement, almost a vibration, that occurs predominantly during fasting 1.5-2 hr intervals
the movement of migrating motor complex is promoted by ?, secreted by? located in the ?
motilin
Mo-cells
duodenum
what is the function of migrating motor complex?
suspected that it is a self-cleaning mechanism, as this movement causes small food particles and bacteria to be dislodged from the intestinal wall and prevents bacteria from traveling from LI into SI
what is the pacemakers of the GI?
interstitial cells of cajal (ICC)
what is interstital cells of Cajal?
Form a network with each other and smooth muscle cells via gap junctions, as well as enteric motor neurons
what generate slow waves and can cause spike potentials that do trigger smooth muscle contractions
the interstitial cells of cajal
excitability of smooth muscles can be increased by additional factors such as:
- Muscle stretch (distention)
- Acetylcholine
- Other GI hormones
excitability of smooth muscles can be decreased by additional factors such as:
- Norepinephrine (causes hyperpolarization)
Enteric Nervous System is composed of ?
sensory, motor, and interneurons
the ENS is organized into ?
Submucosal plexus and myenteric plexus
submucosal plexus is located ?
Located between the layers of submucosa and circular muscle (only present in SI and LI)
what is the function of submucosal plexus?
Function to regulate motility, local blood flow, regulate secretions and epithelial cell function
myenteric plexus is located ?
Located between longitudinal and circular muscles (entire GI)
what is the function of myenteric plexus?
Function to regulate motility
what are some examples of nerves that connect CNS and ENS
○ Vagus Nerve
○ Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves
○ Thoracic Sympathetic Trunk
what is key when it comes to transport throughout the GI tract
timing