Peristalsis of the intestine

Peristalsis of the intestine is a wave-like contraction of the walls of the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract, having a tubular shape. These movements promote the content in these organs from the beginning to their end.

Peristalsis of the stomach in the absence of food in it practically ceases. At this time, the stomach contractions are characterized by a motor migrating complex, in which periodic peristaltic waves are included. During food intake, specific systolic contractions occur in the pyloric part of it. After a while there is a slight decrease in the size of the body cavity and the bottom of the stomach. Within an hour after eating, a slight peristalsis is observed in the stomach. The wave is contracted at a speed of 1 cm / second. The duration of one wave is about 1.5 seconds.

In the following time, the waves are amplified, and their speed and amplitude in the antral region of the stomach are also increased. And this time there is an increase in the pressure in it and opens the pyloric sphincter. At this point, a portion of the food mass contained in the stomach starts to move directly into the intestine.

Peristalsis of the intestine has a variety of motor activity. It is one of several types of bowel contractions. During the progress of food in the small intestine , not one type of peristaltic wave extends. They differ in the speed of passage through the small intestine. Highlights rapid, rapid, slow and very slow peristaltic contractions. The majority of these waves form in the area of the duodenum, but there are also those that appear in the ileum and jejunum. At the same time, several waves can move along the small intestine.

In the absence of food in the small intestine, motor migrating complexes spread, including peristaltic waves.

In the large intestine, the rate of progress of digested food is even less than in the rest of the intestine. Normal peristalsis of the colon takes the shortest period of time, compared to this process in other parts of the human intestine.

Peristalsis of other intestines occurs largely under the influence of the so-called gastrocolic reflex arising after ingestion of food into the stomach. In the large intestine up to 4 times a day there are significant propulsive contractions that move its contents towards the anus.

Peristalsis of the intestine has a different frequency of contraction. They are determined by the frequencies of the slow waves that arise in the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. They are given by accumulations of nerve cells, which are a kind of special drivers of intestinal rhythm. Among these cells, the so-called "interstitial cells of the Cajal" are of great importance.

Peristaltic waves are normally determined by cycles per minute:

- stomach - from 2 to 4;

- duodenum - 10-12;

- the jejunum - 9-12;

- ileum - 6-8;

- large intestine - approximately: approximately 0.6, 3-4, 6-12;

- rectum - 3;

- sphincter - 3-6.

Well-established intestinal work is not only the basis for good health. Good digestion is an important component of overall human health. Normal peristalsis of the intestine depends on various factors, which include: proper nutrition, regular cleansing, a healthy lifestyle. If there are problems with the intestine, a number of measures are taken to normalize its activity. If you have a disrupted normal intestinal peristalsis, the gastroenterologist will prescribe the treatment after carrying out all the necessary tests.