Gastroparesis is a condition that causes a partial paralysis of the stomach. The stomach has reduced ability to contract to move
food through the digestive system. Some common symptoms of gastroparesis are abdominal pain, nausea, and feeling full after eating a small amount of food. What would be the most likely cause of this condition? A.
damage to the mucus lining of the stomach
B.
lack of enzymes in the small intestine
C.
lack of pancreatic juices and bile
D.
damage to nerves that control the stomach
The correct answer is: D. damage to nerves that control the stomach.
The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that controls stomach contractions and thus, the movement of the food. When the vagus nerve is damaged, the muscles of the stomach do not function properly, so gastroparesis occur. Consequently, food then moves slowly or even totally stops moving through the digestive tract.
