What is the frequency of slow waves in the duodenum?

The frequency of slow waves in the duodenum is indeed approximately 12 per minute. Slow waves are a type of electrical rhythm typically observed in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, which helps regulate the contractions of the digestive organs. In the duodenum, these slow waves contribute to the coordinated movement of food through the intestines and influence the timing and strength of muscle contractions, aiding in digestion and the mixing of chyme with digestive juices.

The characteristic frequency of 12 per minute in the duodenum is essential for ensuring that the content in the intestines is processed efficiently, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption and movement along the digestive pathway. This frequency aligns with typical physiological data regarding the duodenum and helps distinguish its function from other regions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or the lower intestine, where slow wave frequencies are different.