Question

Which of the following reflexes speeds-up (enhances) the movement of material along the GI tract? (in the direction of the rectum or “downstream”)

Group of answer choices

A. Gastroileal reflex

B. Gastrocolic reflex

C. Enterogastric reflex

A and B

A, B, and C

Answer 1

Answer is A and B.

There are three extrinsic reflexes, out of which two stimulates or enhance gastric motility and one decreases or inhibits gastric motility.

Gastrocolic reflex and gastroileal reflex is responsible for enhancing movement of material along GI tract. Gastroileal reflex is responsible for movement of food from small intestine to large intestine stimulated by stretching of stomach while ingestion of food.

Gastroileal reflex is responsible for movement of food from ileum to large intestine and then rectum by relaxing ileocacecal valves.

Enterogastric reflex is an inhibitory reflex which inhibits gastric motility. Acidic pH of the stomach, hyperosmolarity and intestinal distension all acts as a stimulus and inhibits release of gastrin.