Migrating motor complex (MMC) in the interdigestive state is initiated by the hormone motilin. Its physiological role is:
- A Housekeeping function: clearing undigested food residues from stomach and small intestine between meals ✓
- B Promoting gastric emptying of liquids during a meal
- C Stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion in preparation for the next meal
- D Accelerating colonic transit to prevent excessive water absorption
Correct answer: A. Housekeeping function: clearing undigested food residues from stomach and small intestine between meals
Explanation
The MMC is a cyclic pattern of myoelectrical activity that occurs in the stomach and small intestine during fasting, approximately every 90–120 minutes. Initiated by motilin from M cells of the upper gut, the MMC consists of three phases (quiescence, irregular activity, intense peristaltic sweeping wave) that move distally along the gut. Its function is to clear undigested residues, bacteria, and sloughed epithelial cells — the 'housekeeper' of the gut. It is abolished during eating and in motility disorders like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Reference: Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.