An analysis of the peristaltic reflex.

A mathematical model describing the dynamics of the peristaltic reflex in an isolated intestinal segment is presented. The model is referred to a preparation that makes it possible to record the relevant mechanical and electrical variables during the course of the reflex. A simplified representation is used for the structure and the operation of the intrinsic nervous plexus, but the interaction between mechanical and elctrical events appears quite clearly and some features of the experimental data are well predicted.