What is the rhythmic mixing of chyme with digestive enzymes in the small intestine?

What is the rhythmic mixing of chyme with digestive enzymes in the small intestine?

• A. Propulsion
• B. Segmentation
• C. Peristalsis
• D. Absorption

Answer: (B)

Segmentation is the rhythmic contraction of the small intestine’s circular smooth muscle that mixes chyme with digestive enzymes. These local, alternating contractions churn and fold the contents, increasing their contact with pancreatic juice, bile, and the absorptive mucosa to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. This motion is about mixing rather than moving contents forward; propulsion and peristalsis push chyme along the tract, while absorption is the uptake of nutrients across the mucosa.

Segmentation is the rhythmic contraction of the small intestine’s circular smooth muscle that mixes chyme with digestive enzymes. These local, alternating contractions churn and fold the contents, increasing their contact with pancreatic juice, bile, and the absorptive mucosa to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. This motion is about mixing rather than moving contents forward; propulsion and peristalsis push chyme along the tract, while absorption is the uptake of nutrients across the mucosa.