 The patterns of GI contraction as a whole can be divided into two distinct patterns, peristalsis and segmentation.Occurring between meals, the migrating motor complex is a series of peristaltic wave cycles in distinct phases starting with relaxation, followed by an increasing level of activity to a peak level of peristaltic activity lasting for 5–15 minutes.This cycle repeats every 1.5–2 hours but is interrupted by food ingestion.