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Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 16:45, 23 July 2008
, 16:45, 23 July 2008→Regulation & Control
*Generation of action potentials is intrinsic to the smooth muscle in the intestine.
*Generation of action potentials is intrinsic to the smooth muscle in the intestine.
**'''Interstitial cells of Cajal''' act as muscle pacemakers and generate a ''basic electrical rhythm'' (BER).
**'''Interstitial cells of Cajal''' act as muscle pacemakers and generate a ''basic electrical rhythm'' (BER).
**The BER is able to pass between cells due to the presence of gap junctions. The muscle therefore acts as a syncytium.
**The BER is able to pass between cells due to the presence of gap junctions. The [[Muscle - Anatomy & Physiology|muscle]] therefore acts as a syncytium.
**Some BER are sufficient to generate an action potential.
**Some BER are sufficient to generate an action potential.
*Food in the intestine stimulates peristalsis to occur, and increases the likelihood of an action potential occuring.
*Food in the intestine stimulates peristalsis to occur, and increases the likelihood of an action potential occuring.