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Development of gastrointestinal motility in the infant and child
1Division of Gastroenterology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Ohio.
Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1994
Insights
The gastrointestinal tract
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
- Neonatology
Background:
- The gastrointestinal tract's neuromuscular system develops early in pregnancy.
- Full innervation and contractile function are established near birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of gastrointestinal neuromuscular anatomy.
- To examine the ontogeny of coordinated peristaltic function.
- To understand challenges in enteral feeding for preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of developmental anatomy and physiology.
- Analysis of neuromuscular development across gastrointestinal regions.
- Synthesis of information on peristaltic function maturation.
Main Results:
- Gastrointestinal neuromuscular development is a protracted process.
- Coordinated peristalsis matures gradually throughout gestation.
- Functional deficits impact early enteral feeding success.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the ontogeny of the gastrointestinal neuromuscular system is crucial.
- Developmental immaturity explains feeding difficulties in preterm neonates.
- This knowledge aids in optimizing nutritional support for premature infants.
Abstract:
The neuromuscular apparatus of the gastrointestinal tract develops early in gestation, but normal patterns of innervation and contractile activity are not achieved until near birth. This article reviews the ontogeny of gastrointestinal neuromuscular anatomy and the development of coordinated peristaltic function in the different regions of the gastrointestinal tract. This information provides a basis for understanding the difficulties encountered in successfully providing enteral feeding to the preterm infant.