Giant migrating contractions
A) Have small amplitudes but occur at high frequency
B) Move fecal material caudad for extended distances
C) Appear only during the digestive period
D) Are mediated by sympathetic nerves
E) Refer to contractions in the ileum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Giant migrating contractions (GMCs) are powerful peristaltic movements in the gastrointestinal tract that move fecal material over long distances towards the rectum, typically occurring in the colon. They are part of the migrating motor complex, which helps to clear the gut between meals, and are most active during fasting, not just during digestion. They have large amplitudes, not small, and are not mediated primarily by sympathetic nerves but by the enteric nervous system and various hormones and peptides. GMCs are not specific to the ileum but occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the colon.

Giant Migrating Contractions