Final answer:
A complication of immobility on the gastrointestinal system is constipation, which occurs due to reduced gastrointestinal motility and weakened muscular tissue in the GI tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
A complication of immobility that affects the gastrointestinal system is constipation. Immobility can lead to decreased gastrointestinal motility, resulting in a slower transit time for food waste. The muscular contractions in the bowels, known as peristalsis, are essential for moving stool through the intestinal tract. However, when a person is immobile, such as being bedridden or having limited movement, the muscles involved in these contractions may become weakened. The lack of physical activity contributes to a greater risk of constipation because it can reduce the strength and tone of the muscular tissue in the gastrointestinal tract.
Additionally, the decreased neurological feedback in the immobile state can slow down the stimulation of digestive secretions necessary for proper digestion and bowel movements. This can eventually lead to dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass, causing constipation. Other age-related changes such as decreased sensitivity of taste, loss of teeth, and decreased saliva production can compound these effects, making constipation a more significant issue as one gets older.