Reflexes loops exist within the gut to regulate motility.
These reflexes enable signals to be transmitted the length of the gut ensuring the coordinated movement of material from one end to the other.
Mechanical and chemical stimuli initiate the various reflexes.
Reflexes are classified in terms of the neural systems involved:
-Those mediated solely by the enteric nervous system
-Those that involve the prevertebral ganglia with
sympathetic afferents and efferents
-Those that involve the spinal cord and brain stem with
vagal afferents and efferents
-Those that involve a combination of the previous three.