the pharyngeal-esophageal phase, an involuntary process
Chat with our AI personalities
Peristalsis is the term used to describe the contractions that move food along the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus to the intestines. These rhythmic contractions help propel food and waste material through the digestive system for processing and absorption of nutrients.
It is also known as the ailmentary tract or ailmentary canal.
The smooth muscle layer, known as the muscularis externa, is responsible for primary digestive motility in the gastrointestinal tract. It consists of inner circular and outer longitudinal muscle layers that work together to propel food through the digestive system via peristalsis.
The phenomenon of increasingly stronger contractions owing to increased stimulus strength is called recruitment. It involves activating more muscle fibers within a muscle to generate greater force in response to a stronger stimulus.
The myenteric plexus, also known as Auerbach's plexus, is a network of nerve fibers located between the longitudinal and circular layers of the muscularis externa in the gastrointestinal tract. It plays a role in regulating gastrointestinal motility and peristalsis.
Passing dark or black blood through the rectum is known as melena. This can be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience this symptom.