Gastroileal reflex

Definition

The gastroileal reflex is a physiological response that increases the movement of the contents within the ileum to the large intestine following food consumption. This reflex is triggered by the presence of food in the stomach, enhancing peristalsis in the ileum.

Related terms

Peristalsis:

The involuntary constriction and relaxation of muscles in the intestines or other canals, creating wavelike movements that push contents forward.

Ileum:

The third and final segment of the small intestine that plays a crucial role in digesting food and absorbing nutrients before emptying into the large intestine.

Large Intestine:

A part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing water and salts from material that has not been digested as food, turning it into feces