Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions related questions and content

These contractions occur 3 to 4 times a day and involve large parts of the transverse and descending colon. These contractions are called

  • A. mass movements.
  • B. haustral churning.
  • C. the defecation reflex.
  • D. teniae coli waves.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mass movements. Mass movements are strong contractions that occur 3 to 4 times a day, moving large amounts of fecal material through the colon. This process involves the transverse and descending colon, which aligns with the description provided in the question. Mass movements help propel waste towards the rectum for elimination.

Choice B, haustral churning, refers to the mixing and propelling actions that occur in the haustra of the colon, not involving large parts of the transverse and descending colon. Choice C, the defecation reflex, is the process that triggers the urge to defecate, not specific contractions involving the colon. Choice D, teniae coli waves, are contractions of the longitudinal muscles of the colon that create the haustra, not the strong propulsive contractions described in the question.