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Motilin

Meaning

Motilin is a 22-amino acid peptide hormone secreted by the enterochromaffin cells in the mucosa of the small intestine, primarily during the fasting state. Its main physiological role is to initiate the Migrating Motor Complex (mathrmMMC), a pattern of intense smooth muscle contractions that sweeps residual food, bacteria, and debris from the stomach and small intestine toward the colon. Clinically, it is a key regulator of gastrointestinal motility and is crucial for maintaining gut health and preventing bacterial overgrowth.