Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines
Published on: January 27, 2016
Motility disorders of the small intestine: new insights into old problems
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA. jkuemmerle@hsc.vcu.edu
Abstract:
Motility of the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for the orderly movement of food, in an oral-to-aboral direction, and allows for the digestion and absorption of nutrients and water, and the elimination of indigestible material. This complex series of events results from the integrated activity of enteric nerves, extrinsic nerves, the intrinsic properties of smooth muscle, and gastrointestinal hormones. Abnormalities in any of these components or in their integration can result in dysmotility: increased transit, decreased transit, or nonpropulsive activity. This review outlines the current understanding of the causes, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of motility disorders of the small intestine.
Related Concept Videos
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Gastric Motility
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

