Movements of the large intestine.

Abstract

The subject of human colonlc motility has come into a state of flux. New methods of study are being employed but so far have tended to cast doubt on previous conclusions. Cineradiography coupled to intraluminal pressure recording has shown that most pressure waves are complex andthe interpretation, in terms of movement of the colonlc wall, is beset with difficulties. Radlotele-metering capsules have rendered every part of the colon readily accessible to study but so far have been more the subject of technical study on the electronics side than a source of any important physiological data. Methods for making a more direct measurement of the muscular activity of the colonic wall, such as the implantation of strain gauges or of inductograph coils, have not yet been applied to the human colon and may not be feasible for use in human subjects. Although serious attempts to measure the "tone" of the colonic muscle in the intact human being are only now beginning to be made, "tone" may be a factor of prime importance in some examples of colonic dysfunction. The registration of electrical changes from human colonic muscle has virtually not yet begun, but these new methods may allow substantial advances.