Movement of GIT
BY – JEET BISWAS
1. Mastication
First mechanical process in gastrointestinal (GI) tract, by which
food substances are torn or cut into small particles and crushed
into soft bolus.
• Muscles of Mastication
Masseter muscle.
Temporal muscle .
Pterygoid muscles.
Buccinator muscle.
• Movements of Mastication
Opening and closure of mouth.
Rotational movements of Jaw.
Protraction and retractIon of Jaw.
Control of Mastication
• Action of Mastication is mostly a reflex
process.
• It is also carried out voluntarily.
• The center for mastication is situated in
medulla and cerebral cortex.
• Muscles of Mastication are supplied by
division of V cranial ( Trigeminal) nerve.
2. Deglutition
The process by which the Masticated food moves from mouth to stomach.
Stages of Deglutition
Oral stage Pharyngeal stage Esophageal stage
• Food moves from • Food moves from pharynx • Food moves from
mouth to pharynx. to esophagus. esophagus to stomach.
• Voluntary • Involuntary • Involuntary
Pharyngeal stage
Common passage for food and air.
Divided Into Larynx and esophagus.
Larynx lies anteriorly, continues as Respiratory passage.
Esophagus lies behind larynx , continues as GI Tract.
Deglutition Apnea
• Apnea refers to temporary arrest of breathing.
• Arrest of breathing during pharyngeal stage of Deglutition.
Esophageal stage
Movements of esophagus are specifically organized for movement of
bolus, movement called peristaltic wave.
Two types Peristaltic Waves are initiated:
1. Primary peristaltic contractions.
2. Secondary peristaltic contractions.
Deglutition Reflux
• Beginning of swallowing is a voluntary act, later it becomes involuntary and it is
carried out by a reflux action called Deglutition Reflux.
• Occurs during pharyngeal and esophageal stages.
Applied Physiology
1. Dysphagia (Difficulty in swallowing). 2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
3. Movements of Stomach
Activities of smooth muscles of stomach increase during gastric
digestion, and when the stomach is empty.
Three types of movements occurs in stomach:
• Hunger contractions
• Receptive relaxation
• Peristalsis
Applied physiology:
• Gastric Dumping syndrome
4. Movements of Small Intestine
Movements of small intestine are essential for mixing the chyme with
digestive juices, propulsion of food and absorption.
Types of movements of Small Intestine:
• Mixing movements.
• Propulsive movements.
• Peristalsis in fasting.
• Movements of villi.
5. Movements of Large Intestine
It shows sluggish movements. Still the movements are important for
mixing, propulsive and absorptive function.
Two types of movements:
• Mixing movements; Segmentation contractions
• Propulsive movements; Mass peristalsis
6. Defecation
Voiding of feces is known as Defecation.
Feces is formed in Large Intestine and stored in sigmoid colon.
By influence of an appropriate stimulus, it is expelled out through anus.
Prevented by tonic constriction of anal sphincters, in the absence of stimulus.
Defecation Reflex
• Mass movement drives feces into sigmoid colon.
• Desire for defecation occurs when some feces
enter rectum.
• Desire for defecation is elicited by increase in
intrarectal pressure, to about 20-25cm H2O.
Act of Defecation
Gastrocolic Reflux
