Enterogastric Reflex: Balancing Gastric Emptying and Nutrient Absorption

In a normal individual, the enterogastric reflex will be elicited by: A. Increased duodenal wall tension B. Irritation of small intestine mucosa C. Protein metabolites in the duodenum D. Acid chyme in the duodenum

A,B,C,DThe enterogastric reflex which slows activity in the stomach and will be initiated by anything that increases activity in the small intestine. The general statement is that anything that tends to overload the small intestine will act to slow the stomach.

The enterogastric reflex is a process that balances the rate of gastric emptying with the time required for gastric content to be properly digested and absorbed in the small intestine. It functions in a negative feedback mechanism, meaning the reflex inhibits gastric motility and secretion.

In a normal individual, the enterogastric reflex will be primarily elicited by increased duodenal wall tension. When the duodenal wall expands due to the presence of undigested food, stretch receptors in the wall are stimulated. These receptors subsequently send signals to the myenteric plexus (located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers) to inhibit gastric motility and secretion. By slowing gastric emptying, the small intestine is given adequate time to properly digest and absorb nutrients.

Irritation of small intestine mucosa, protein metabolites, and acid chyme in the duodenum may also contribute to the enterogastric reflex but are secondary to the primary stimulus of increased duodenal wall tension.

More Answers: