Gastric emptying

Definition

Gastric emptying is the process by which the stomach contents are moved into the small intestine. It plays a crucial role in digestion, regulating the rate at which food is digested and nutrients are absorbed.

Related terms

Peristalsis:

The coordinated, rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle that move food through the digestive tract.

Chyme:

The semi-liquid mixture of partially digested food and digestive secretions that is formed in the stomach and moved to the small intestine.

Pyloric sphincter: A muscular valve that regulates the passage of chyme from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine