Principles of Human Physiology - Gastrointestinal System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to gastrointestinal motility and its regulation as discussed in the lecture on human physiology.

Peristalsis

A wave-like muscle contraction that moves food through the gastrointestinal tract.

Segmentation

A rhythmic contraction of circular muscles in the intestines that mixes food and digestive juices.

Migrating Motility Complex

A pattern of electromechanical activity in the gastrointestinal tract that creates peristaltic waves to clear the stomach.

Haustration

The process by which the colon forms pouches or haustra, aiding in the absorption and passage of waste.

Mass Movement

A strong contraction that moves contents through the colon towards the rectum.

Basic Electrical Rhythm

The regular pattern of slow waves in the gastrointestinal smooth muscle that controls motility.

Gastric Motility

The mixing and propulsion actions of the gastric muscles during digestion.

Gastrocolic Reflex

A physiological reflex that increases colonic motility in response to food in the stomach.

Colonocolonic Reflex

A reflex where the distension of one part of the colon leads to the relaxation of other parts.

Enteric Nervous System

A complex network of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal system independently of the central nervous system.