In mammals, ghrelin (GHRL) and motilin (MLN) stimulate appetite and GI motility and contribute to the regulation of energy homeostasis. GHRL and MLN are produced in the mucosal layer of the stomach and upper small intestine, respectively.

GI motility disorders are digestive problems that result when the nerves or muscles of the gut do not work in a coordinated way. A child may experience problems in any area of the digestive tract, resulting in weak, spastic or failed propulsion of the food through the digest system.

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility refers to the movement of food from the mouth through the pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines and out of the body. The GI system is responsible for digestion.

Two types of movement (motility) occur in the stomach: peristalsis and segmentation (mixing)

What causes motility disorders? Motility disorders stem from problems with nerves in the GI tract, intestinal muscles or how the two work together. Sometimes problems with the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate the GI tract, can also present like motility disorders.

Gastrointestinal motility has three basic patterns: segmentation contractions that mix the contents, peristalsis that moves the contents a short distance, and the MMC that propels the contents forward during the fasting state.

There are secondary causes of intestinal dysmotility. Examples of this include systemic Lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis, neurofibromatosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, scleroderma, thyroid disorders, and muscular dystrophies. Certain medications can also cause intestinal dysmotility.

Common Causes Gastrointestinal motility can be impaired due to: A problem within the muscles that control peristalsis. A problem with the nerves or hormones that govern the muscles’ contractions.

Motility involves the coordination of smooth muscle and nerve function to mix, triturate, and propel products of digestion. While the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and large intestine has its own specialized functions, all work collaboratively to aid in digestion and motility.

Esophageal dysmotility may be caused by: An ulcer, stricture, irritation, infection, inflammation, or cancer in the esophagus. Uncoordinated or abnormal muscles in the mouth, throat or esophagus.

Dysfunctional Gastrointestinal motility- the state in which an individual is experiencing increased, decreased, ineffective or lack of peristaltic activity within the gastrointestinal system.

Gastric dysmotility occurs when the stomach’s muscles cannot push food out of the organ. Individuals with gastric dysmotility may have trouble staying hydrated due to vomiting.

Gut motility is a measure of the ability of food to pass through the digestive tract. Many issues can arise from poor gut motility, particularly malnutrition, which results from the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly.