Intestinal motility refers to the movement of smooth muscles in the small and large intestine that aids in mixing, digestion, absorption, and movement of foodstuffs. The smooth muscle controlling intestinal motility is called the muscularis. This layer of muscle tissue consists of two types of muscle: circular and longitudinal smooth muscle. Within the muscularis is nervous tissue called the myenteric plexus that controls these muscles. Additionally, some hormones such as gastrin can affect intestinal motility. Finally, intestinal distention is a contributing factor that initiates motility in the intestines.

There are two types of movement in the small intestine: segmentation and peristalsis. Segmentation does not propel the chyme along the intestinal tract, but rather chops and mixes the contents so that it can be mechanically digested and the inner layer of small intestine, the mucosa, can absorb the nutrients. Segmentation is accomplished by circular muscle fibers that...