The Migrating motility complex
A) Occurs immediately following a meal
B) Mixes chyme
C) Is involved in reverse peristalsis
D) Closes the ileocecal valve
E) Sweeps everything caudad

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Migrating Motility Complex (MMC) is a pattern of electromechanical activity observed in gastrointestinal smooth muscle during the periods between meals. It serves to sweep residual undigested material through the digestive tube, essentially "cleaning" it in preparation for the next meal. This process moves everything in a caudad direction (toward the tail or posterior part of the body), ensuring that the digestive tract is cleared. The MMC does not occur immediately following a meal (which is when digestion and absorption are the primary activities), nor is it involved in mixing chyme, reverse peristalsis, or closing the ileocecal valve.