Which of the following reflects the pathophysiological aspects of irritable bowel syndrome?

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation. The underlying pathophysiological aspects of IBS primarily involve abnormal motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

Increased motility may lead to faster transit of stool, contributing to diarrhea, while decreased motility can slow down the transit and cause constipation. These motility abnormalities can arise from a variety of factors, including visceral hypersensitivity, disruptions in the brain-gut axis, and altered gut microbiome, which all play critical roles in the symptomatology of IBS.

Other options, such as increased gastric acid secretion, are more associated with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers, and they do not specifically relate to the mechanisms of IBS. Similarly, overactivity of the pancreas and elevated liver enzymes are more indicative of other gastrointestinal disorders, such as pancreatitis or liver disease, and do not reflect the core motility issues seen in IBS. Therefore, the correct option highlights the essential feature of the disorder's pathophysiology.

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