Question
What is gastric emptying? How long after dinner should a 9-year-old wait before engaging in activities like jumping?
Answer
Gastric emptying refers to the process of food moving from the stomach to the duodenum. Factors that promote gastric emptying include the volume of food in the stomach and gastrin, while inhibitory factors include gastrointestinal radiation and somatostatin, among others. The impact of food on the stomach wall is a driving force for promoting gastric emptying. Once the stomach contents enter the duodenum, the activity of the stomach is reflexively weakened through intestinal wall receptors, resulting in a slower rate of emptying.