Why does my tummy growl?

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentChip asked me why his tummy growls. I am a doctor three times over, and this is what my life is now.

2. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep one. Your stomach and guts squeeze in waves to move food along, like a slow, soft hug.

3. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOh, it's an escalator. The food rides up to the second floor of the mall, right past the shoe store.

4. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep two. When your tummy is mostly empty, gas and liquid slosh around inside.

5. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo the escalator is closed and the pretzel stand is just sitting there, full of air.

6. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep three. The squeezing pushes that gas along, and that makes the rumbly noise. Per Wikipedia, it's gas and fluid moving through the intestines.

7. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe mall loudspeaker! Attention shoppers, the pretzels are free in aisle nine!

8. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNo. Step four. It's louder when you're empty, because there's less food to muffle it. The food is not shoppers.

9. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDoes the rumble have a name?

10. 

    Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThat's... actually a great question. Yes! Doctors call it borborygmus. Try saying that five times fast.

11. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBorborygmus. That's the best food court name I've ever heard.

12. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDoes Borborygmus Plaza have free parking?