Question:

Antegrade peristalsis (descending relaxation ahead of the bolus) is due to which one of the following neurotransmitters?

Show Hint

Antegrade movement needs descending relaxation ahead of the bolus - recall its inhibitory transmitter.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Acetylcholine
  • Serotonin
  • Substance P
  • VIP
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Peristalsis is the coordinated motor pattern that moves gut contents in the antegrade (aboral, toward the anus) or retrograde (oral) direction. It has two synchronised limbs around the bolus.
Step 2: Behind the bolus, impulses traveling orad drive ascending contraction; the transmitters here are acetylcholine, substance P and neurokinin A.
Step 3: Ahead of the bolus, impulses traveling caudad drive descending relaxation so the segment can receive the contents; the transmitters here are vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), nitric oxide (NO) and PACAP.
Step 4: Forward (antegrade) movement depends on this descending inhibitory relaxation, which is mediated by VIP. Acetylcholine and substance P drive the contractile limb, and serotonin acts as a trigger rather than the relaxing transmitter. Hence the answer is VIP.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0