Definition
- Intestinal movements are the motor activities of the small intestine that mix chyme with secretions and propel it aborally.
- The types are segmentation, peristalsis, migrating motor complex (MMC), muscularis mucosa contraction, villus contraction, and reflex-mediated movements.
Types of Intestinal Movements
Types of intestinal movements
Type
Segmentation
- Function
- Mixing; most common movement of small intestine
Peristalsis
- Function
- Propulsion, aboral (Law of the Intestine)
Migrating motor complex (MMC)
- Function
- Interdigestive sweep ("housekeeper")
Muscularis mucosa contraction
- Function
- Mixing; alters mucosal fold pattern
Villus contraction
- Function
- Empties central lacteals, raises lymph flow
Reflex-mediated movements
- Function
- Occur via intestinal reflexes