Conclusion
In conclusion, it may be said that the propulsion of colonic contents can be effected either by systolic or progressive contractions of the bowel wall. The two modes of transportation can usually be identified in time-lapse cinefluorograms even at 1 frame/min from the regularity of the movement of opaque contents. Evidence is presented of a form of progressive propulsion which has all the characteristics of peristalsis that are recognizable by this method of study, and yet is capable of travelling adorally up the colon. It is not possible to say what the relationship of this kind of movement is to the strictly aboral mass peristalsis with which workers in this field are so much more familiar.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hertz AF, Newton A: The normal movements of the colon in man. J Physiol (London) 47:57, 1913
Holzknecht G: Die normale Peristaltik des Kolon. Munchen Med Wschr 56:2401, 1909
Alvarez WC: Reverse peristalsis in bowel and stomach, MMGB 12:735, 1967
Ritchie JA: Movement of interhaustral folds in the human colon. Gut 12:350, 1971
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Supported by grants from the Medical Research Council and the Nuffield Committee.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ritchie, J.A., Truelove, S.C., Ardran, G.M. et al. Propulsion and retropulsion of normal colonic contents. Digest Dis Sci 16, 697–704 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239592
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239592