GASTROCOLIC REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The gastrocolic reflex is a physiological response that occurs in the digestive system, specifically between the stomach and the colon. It refers to a reflexive contraction of the colon in response to food entering the stomach. This reflex is triggered by the presence of food, and it serves to propel waste materials from the colon towards the rectum to be eliminated.
When food reaches the stomach, signals are sent to the colon via the vagus nerve, which communicates between the brain and the digestive system. These signals stimulate the gastrocolic reflex, causing smooth muscles in the colon to contract. This contraction increases peristalsis, the rhythmic wave-like muscular contractions, thereby moving the contents of the colon forward. It also relaxes the internal anal sphincter, which allows for defecation.
The gastrocolic reflex is a normal physiological response that helps to regulate bowel movements. It is responsible for the urge to have a bowel movement shortly after eating a meal, as the reflex is activated by the presence of food in the stomach. However, the intensity and frequency of the reflex can vary among individuals. Some people may experience a stronger gastrocolic reflex, resulting in more frequent bowel movements, while others may have a weaker reflex, leading to fewer bowel movements.
Overall, the gastrocolic reflex is an important mechanism in maintaining regular bowel habits and ensuring the efficient movement of waste materials through the digestive system.
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A strong peristaltic wave in the colon assumed to be a reflex excited by the entry of food into the empty stomach.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASTROCOLIC REFLEX
- fastrocolic reflex
- vastrocolic reflex
- bastrocolic reflex
- hastrocolic reflex
- yastrocolic reflex
- tastrocolic reflex
- gzstrocolic reflex
- gsstrocolic reflex
- gwstrocolic reflex
- gqstrocolic reflex
- gaatrocolic reflex
- gaztrocolic reflex
- gaxtrocolic reflex
- gadtrocolic reflex
- gaetrocolic reflex
- gawtrocolic reflex
- gasrrocolic reflex
- gasfrocolic reflex
- gasgrocolic reflex
- gasyrocolic reflex
Etymology of GASTROCOLIC REFLEX
The word "gastrocolic" comes from the combination of two root words: "gastro" derived from the Greek word "gaster" meaning stomach, and "colic" derived from the Greek word "kolikos" meaning pain in the colon.
The term "reflex" is used to describe an involuntary response or action, which is triggered by a stimulus. In this case, the "gastrocolic reflex" refers to the involuntary contraction of the colon (large intestine) following the intake of food, particularly a large meal. The term is derived from the observation of the reflexive action between the stomach (gastric) and the colon (colic) resulting in increased motility and movement of material through the intestines after ingestion of food.
