This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages without signing in

Pressure (colonic)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Colonic pressure is generated by segmental and propulsive contractions.

Segmental contractions:

  • localized periodic uncoordinated contractions
  • 2-3 times per minute
  • intraluminal pressure increased to 10-60 mmHg
  • there is little peristaltic movement
  • this type of contraction is inhibited if the patient has diarrhoea

Propulsive contractions:

  • occur 3-4 times per day
  • stronger than segmental contractions
  • stimulated by ingestion of food
  • increased frequency if the patient has diarrhoea

There is reduced colonic motor activity during sleep and unconsciousness.

There is an increase in segmental pressure after food. Also some drugs (e.g. cholinergic drugs and morphine) result in an increase in segmental pressure.

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.