Movements of the Small Intestine and Related Functions

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on gastrointestinal physiology, specifically focusing on the movements of the small intestine and its functions.

Segmentation Contractions

Mixing movements of the small intestine responsible for chopping chyme with digestive juices.

Peristalsis

Wave-like contraction of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that pushes chyme in the aboral direction.

Peristaltic Rush

Powerful peristaltic contraction caused by excessive irritation or distention of the intestine.

Ileocecal Valve

Valve that prevents backflow of fecal contents from the colon into the small intestine.

Gastroenteric Reflex

Reflex initiated by the distention of the stomach that increases peristalsis in the small intestine.

Mass Peristalsis

A type of propulsive movement in the large intestine that moves feces towards the anus.

Defecation Reflex

Reflex resulting in the contraction of the rectum and the desire to defecate, triggered by fecal contents.

Mucous Cells

Single-cell mucous glands in the gastrointestinal tract that secrete mucus for lubrication and protection.

Oxyntic Glands

Glands in the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen, intrinsic factor, and mucus.

Gastrin

A hormone secreted by pyloric glands that stimulates gastric secretion.

Histamine

Chemical released by enterochromaffin-like cells that stimulates secretion of hydrochloric acid by parietal cells.

Villi Movements

Shortening and elongation of intestinal villi that help in lymph drainage and increase surface area for absorption.

Haustrations

Bag-like sacs in the large intestine formed by contraction of circular muscles.

Villikinin

Hormone believed to enhance movements of villi in the small intestine.

Enteric Nervous System

Nervous system that regulates gastrointestinal motility and secretions.

Chyme

Semi-liquid food mass that results from the mixing of food with digestive juices.

Intrinsic Nerve Fibers

Nerve fibers that mediate gastrointestinal reflexes, including defecation.

Pyloric Glands

Glands in the stomach that secrete mucus for protection and the hormone gastrin.

Pepsinogen

Inactive enzyme secreted by chief cells that is activated to pepsin in the presence of hydrochloric acid.