Final answer:
Stimulant laxatives are the type that act as local irritants to the colonic tissue, causing the intestines to contract and facilitate bowel movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of laxatives that act as local irritants to the colonic tissue are known as stimulant laxatives. These laxatives work by triggering the intestines to contract and push stool through the digestive system. This stimulatory action helps alleviate constipation by increasing bowel movements.
Other types of laxatives, such as osmotic laxatives, work by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and ease its passage. Stool surfactant agents, on the other hand, decrease the surface tension of the stool to allow water and fats to penetrate, making it easier to pass. Lastly, bulk-forming agents add volume to the stool, which prompts the bowel to contract and move the stool along.