Smooth muscle contraction is therefore greater during larger slow waves, as shown in Text Fig. Neural control of smooth muscle Neurons of the intramural plexuses have axons that branch extensively through the smooth muscle layers. Nerve terminals may be either Excitatory or Inhibitory and are closely associated with the membranes of muscle cells, particularly in the circular layer. Refer to Text Fig. There are also sensory neurons in this plexus, which constitute the afferent limb of intrinsic reflexes, such as shown to the left.
Gastric contractions begin when food enters the stomach.
The contents of the atrium are mixed with gastric juices. As each peristaltic wave reaches the pylorus the Pyloric sphincter opens and shuts. Gastric contractions are regulated by smooth waves and action potentials. Acidity Osmotic pressure Other characteristics of the chyme such as peptide content. The hyperosmolarity of the chyme increases within the duodenum due to digestive actions of enzymes.