The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the GI tract function as:
- A Primary secretomotor neurons controlling enzyme secretion
- B Pacemaker cells generating slow waves (basic electrical rhythm) that set the maximum frequency of smooth muscle contractions ✓
- C Sensory cells detecting luminal contents and relaying to the enteric nervous system
- D Immunological cells that sample luminal antigens for mucosal immune responses
Explanation
Interstitial cells of Cajal, located in the myenteric plexus layer and within smooth muscle, express c-kit (CD117) and generate rhythmic slow waves (pacemaker potentials) at characteristic frequencies: ~3/min in the stomach, ~11–12/min in the duodenum, decreasing aborally. These slow waves set the maximum frequency at which smooth muscle can contract — if neural/hormonal triggers coincide with the peak of a slow wave, an action potential and contraction occur. ICC dysfunction (e.g., loss in diabetic gastroparesis, c-kit mutations in GIST) disrupts GI motility. They are not secretory or sensory cells.
Reference: Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.