Which term describes involuntary contraction of the intestines (painful)?

Which term describes involuntary contraction of the intestines (painful)?

• A. Defecation
• B. Mastication
• C. Enterospasm
• D. Rugae

Answer: (C)

Understanding involuntary contractions of the gut starts with recognizing that the intestines are smooth muscle that normally moves contents along by peristaltic waves. When these muscles contract suddenly and involuntarily in a painful, cramping way, that is a spasm. The term describing this intestinal muscle spasm is enterospasm. The other options refer to different processes: defecation is the act of expelling stool, mastication is chewing, and rugae are the folds in the stomach lining. So enterospasm is the correct term for a painful involuntary contraction of the intestines.

Understanding involuntary contractions of the gut starts with recognizing that the intestines are smooth muscle that normally moves contents along by peristaltic waves. When these muscles contract suddenly and involuntarily in a painful, cramping way, that is a spasm. The term describing this intestinal muscle spasm is enterospasm. The other options refer to different processes: defecation is the act of expelling stool, mastication is chewing, and rugae are the folds in the stomach lining. So enterospasm is the correct term for a painful involuntary contraction of the intestines.