Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:37
Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
Physiology and pathophysiology of the colonic circulation
Clinics in Gastroenterology
|October 1, 1986
Summary
Colonic blood flow is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including myogenic and metabolic mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Physiology
Background:
- Colonic blood flow is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory factors.
- Intrinsic regulation involves autoregulation, reactive hyperemia, and responses to venous hypertension.
- While myogenic factors were traditionally emphasized, metabolic mechanisms are now recognized as equally important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intrinsic and extrinsic factors controlling colonic blood flow.
- To highlight the role of myogenic and metabolic mechanisms in colonic vascular control.
- To discuss the implications of colonic vascular dysfunction in gastrointestinal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on colonic blood flow regulation.
- Analysis of evidence for intrinsic vascular control mechanisms.
- Examination of the roles of neural and humoral factors.
Main Results:
- Intrinsic colonic blood flow control involves pressure-flow autoregulation, reactive hyperemia, and functional hyperemia.
- Both myogenic and metabolic factors contribute significantly to intrinsic regulation.
- Extrinsic control is mediated by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.
- Vascular dysfunction is implicated in inflammatory bowel diseases, portal hypertension, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Conclusions:
- Colonic blood flow is complexly regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms.
- Metabolic factors are as crucial as myogenic factors in intrinsic regulation.
- Further research, including human studies, is needed to advance understanding and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Blood Flow
Blood is pumped by the heart into the aorta, the largest artery in the body, and then into increasingly smaller arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. The velocity of blood flow decreases with increased cross-sectional blood vessel area. As blood returns to the heart through venules and veins, its velocity increases. The movement of blood is encouraged by smooth muscle in the vessel walls, the movement of skeletal muscle surrounding the vessels, and one-way valves that prevent backflow.
01:17Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Autoregulation mechanisms are characterized by their inherent capacity for self-regulation without necessitating specific nervous stimulation or endocrine control. These mechanisms facilitate the adjustment of blood flow and, therefore, perfusion specific to each tissue region. This self-regulation encompasses chemical signals and myogenic controls.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
01:16Blood Supply to the Digestive System
Splanchnic circulation refers to the network of blood vessels that supply and drain blood from the abdominal organs involved in digestion, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and spleen. This circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products from these organs.
Blood Supply to the Digestive System: The splanchnic circulation involves three main arteries: the celiac artery (also known as the celiac trunk) and the superior and inferior mesenteric...
Blood Supply to the Digestive System: The splanchnic circulation involves three main arteries: the celiac artery (also known as the celiac trunk) and the superior and inferior mesenteric...
01:26Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System III: Elimination
The gastrointestinal elimination process involves a complex interplay of neural and hormonal mechanisms that coordinate the final waste removal from the body. This intricate operation encompasses the absorption of water and electrolytes, vital for transforming the remaining indigestible food matter into feces. The large intestine is pivotal in water and electrolyte absorption, forming feces from unabsorbed minerals, undigested food, bacteria, bile pigments, and shed epithelial cells. Essential...
01:07Intestinal 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...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...