Understanding the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC): Movement Governance Mechanisms & its Role in Health and Disease.

                   A Comprehensive Overview.

The migrating motor complex (MMC) is a cyclic, recurring motility pattern that occurs in the stomach and small bowel during fasting; it is interrupted by feeding.

      The MMC is present in the gastrointestinal tract of many species, including humans.

      The complex can be subdivided into four phases, of which phase III is the most active, with a burst of contractions originating from the antrum or duodenum and migrating distally.

      Control of the MMC is complex.

      The role of the vagus nerve in control of the MMC seems to be restricted to the stomach.

      The physiological role of the MMC is incompletely understood, but its absence has been associated with gastroparesis, intestinal pseudo-obstruction and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

       Measuring the motility of the gastrointestinal tract can be important for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders.

       An attempt has been made in this Booklet to summarize current knowledge of the MMC, especially its role in Health and Disease, along with relevant Illustrations.   

…Dr. H. K. Saboowala.

            M.B.(Bom) M.R.S.H.(London)