The mechanical advantage of local longitudinal shortening on peristaltic transport

Whereas bolus transport along the esophagus results front peristaltic contractions of the circular muscle layer, it has been suggested that local shortening of the longitudinal muscle layer concentrates circular muscle fibers in the region where the highest contractile pressures are required. Here we analyze the mechanical consequences of local longitudinal shortening (LLS) through a mathematical model based oil lubrication theory. We find that local pressure and shear stress in the contraction zone are greatly reduced by the existence of LLS. In consequence, peak contractile pressure is reduced bot, nearly 2/3 at physiological LLS, and this reduction is greatest it-hen peak in LLS is it-ell aligned with peak contractile pressure. We conclude that a peristaltic wave of local longitudinal muscle contraction coordinated with the circular muscle contraction wave has both a great physiological advantage (concentrating circular muscle fibers), and a great mechanical advantage (reducing the level of contractile force required to transport the bolus), which combine to greatly, reduce circular muscle tone during esophageal peristalsis.