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Related Concept Videos

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,...
Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine01:20

Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine

The large intestine is where the final stages of digestion happen. When the cecum receives chyme, it contains undigested carbohydrates that undergo fermentation. Gut bacteria ferment these carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids that provide some energy and help synthesize essential vitamins.
As the chyme moves to the colon, it triggers two characteristic sluggish contractions - haustral churning and mass peristalsis. Haustral churning involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation...
Gastric Motility01:16

Gastric Motility

Gastric motility is the coordinated contraction and relaxation of stomach muscles that convert ingested food into chyme, a semi-liquid substance ready for further digestion in the intestines. The process begins with the vagus nerve inducing the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the fundus and body of the stomach, allowing these regions to expand and accommodate up to approximately 1.5 liters of food and liquid.
Peristaltic Waves and Chyme Formation
Upon food entry, the stomach initiates...
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Feces Formation and Defecation01:26

Feces Formation and Defecation

After spending 3 to 10 hours in the large intestine, chyme loses a lot of water and becomes feces, the final product of digestion. Feces consist of undigested dietary fiber such as cellulose, mucus, sloughed-off epithelial cells, and microbes. The descending and sigmoid colon stores feces and uses haustral contractions to dry it out but retains enough water to give it a semi-solid texture.
The mass peristalsis then pushes the feces into the rectum, which stretches the rectal walls to activate...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
08:15

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)

Published on: December 1, 2010

Weak and absent peristalsis.

André Smout1, Mark Fox

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.j.smout@amc.uva.nl

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|January 18, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Weak and absent esophageal peristalsis, common motility disorders, can cause dysphagia and GERD. Recent advancements in high-resolution manometry aid in diagnosis and management.

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Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines
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Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
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Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines
12:00

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines

Published on: January 27, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders

Background:

  • Weak and absent esophageal peristalsis are common esophageal motility disorders.
  • These conditions are often linked to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of esophageal peristalsis disorders.
  • Covers terminology, pathology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent advancements in diagnostic tools.
  • Focus on high-resolution manometry (manometry) with intraluminal impedance monitoring.

Main Results:

  • High-resolution manometry has significantly improved diagnostic capabilities.
  • Provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding these disorders is crucial for effective patient care.
  • Advancements in manometry offer better diagnostic and management strategies.