Study on gastrocolic reflex

Gastrocolic reflex is one of physiological phenomenon in gastrointestinal tract, which is involved in the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders and has potential clinical value. Main methods for research on gastrocolic reflex are electromyography and colon manometry, increases of colonic spike bursts and colonic motility index occur after meal. Recent studies showed specific postprandial colonic motor patterns by using manometry, however, the mechanism of gastrocolic reflex is still uncertain. This article reviewed the study on gastrocolic reflex.