What it means
Most often used for the gut. Gastrointestinal motility is the wave-like muscle movement (peristalsis) that pushes food and waste along. Opioids, immobility and surgery slow it; some drugs speed it up. Sperm motility is how well sperm move, which matters for fertility.
At a glance
| Spanish | motilidad |
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Related terms
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
smooth muscle
Muscle that works without conscious control and lines hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, airways and blood vessels.
digestive system
The organs that take in food, break it down, absorb nutrients and get rid of waste.