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Related Concept Videos

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Chronic constipation: lessons from animal studies.

Natalia Zarate1, Nick J Spencer

  • 1Centre for Academic Surgery, GI Physiology Unit, Barts and The London Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|March 9, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Chronic constipation impacts many, with poorly understood causes. Research in animal models and human colons reveals insights into colonic motor dysfunction contributing to delayed transit.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neurogastroenterology
  • Colorectal Physiology

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a prevalent, debilitating condition with significant healthcare and quality of life burdens.
  • The underlying etiology of chronic constipation remains poorly understood.
  • Animal models are increasingly utilized to investigate neurogenic and myogenic mechanisms of colonic sensori-motor dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding colonic motility patterns.
  • To explore how impairments in these patterns contribute to chronic constipation.
  • To highlight findings from both animal models and human colon studies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on colonic motility.
  • Analysis of studies using animal models (guinea-pigs, mice) to investigate peristalsis and colonic migrating motor complexes.
  • Examination of novel recordings of propagating contractions in isolated whole human colons.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of propagating colonic contractions in laboratory animals.
  • The first recordings of cyclical propagating contractions along the isolated whole human colon have been achieved.
  • Impairments in these fundamental colonic motility patterns are implicated in delayed colonic transit.

Conclusions:

  • Advances in understanding colonic motor function provide new avenues for investigating chronic constipation.
  • Dysfunctional peristalsis and colonic motor complexes may underlie delayed transit in a subset of patients.
  • Further research integrating animal models and human studies is crucial for elucidating constipation mechanisms.