Dynamic obstructions can occur in which segments of the GI tract?

• A. They occur only in large intestine
• B. They occur only in small intestine
• C. They can occur in both large and small intestines
• D. They occur only in the stomach

Answer: (C)

Dynamic obstruction refers to a functional slowdown or halt of propulsion, not a fixed physical blockage. Because peristalsis and coordination of motility occur throughout the GI tract, motility disturbances can affect any segment. That means dynamic obstructions can happen in both the small intestine and the large intestine, such as after surgery causing a paralytic ileus in the small bowel or a colonic pseudo-obstruction in the large bowel. The key idea is that it’s a problem of movement, not a discrete obstruction, so it isn’t limited to one part of the intestines.