peristalsis

Physiology

(noun)

The rhythmic, wave-like contraction of smooth muscle tissue that can propel substances through the many muscular tubes of the body.

Related Terms

  • rete testis
  • transitional epithelial tissues
  • smooth
  • transitional
  • cardiac muscle
  • vas deferens
  • vasectomy
  • mnemonic devices
  • innervate
  • peripheral nervous system
  • esophagus
  • mucus
  • origin
  • insertion
  • skeletal muscle
  • urine

(noun)

A radially symmetrical contraction and relaxation of muscles that propagates in a anterograde (forward) wave down a tube.

Related Terms

  • rete testis
  • transitional epithelial tissues
  • smooth
  • transitional
  • cardiac muscle
  • vas deferens
  • vasectomy
  • mnemonic devices
  • innervate
  • peripheral nervous system
  • esophagus
  • mucus
  • origin
  • insertion
  • skeletal muscle
  • urine

(noun)

The rhythmic, wave-like contraction of both longitudinal and circular smooth muscle fibers within the digestive tract that forces food through it.

Related Terms

  • rete testis
  • transitional epithelial tissues
  • smooth
  • transitional
  • cardiac muscle
  • vas deferens
  • vasectomy
  • mnemonic devices
  • innervate
  • peripheral nervous system
  • esophagus
  • mucus
  • origin
  • insertion
  • skeletal muscle
  • urine

(noun)

A radially symmetrical contraction and relaxation of muscles that propagates in a wave down a tube (such as the gastrointestinal tract) in an anterograde direction.

Related Terms

  • rete testis
  • transitional epithelial tissues
  • smooth
  • transitional
  • cardiac muscle
  • vas deferens
  • vasectomy
  • mnemonic devices
  • innervate
  • peripheral nervous system
  • esophagus
  • mucus
  • origin
  • insertion
  • skeletal muscle
  • urine
Biology

(noun)

the rhythmic, wave-like contraction and relaxation of muscles which propagates in a wave down a muscular tube

Related Terms

  • hydrostatic skeleton
  • proventriculus
  • pepsin
  • exoskeleton
  • endoskeleton
  • chyme
  • cellulose
  • bolus
  • coelom

Examples of peristalsis in the following topics:

  • Esophagus

    • The esophagus is a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx via peristalsis to the stomach.
    • Food then moves down the esophageal tube through waves of muscle movement, or peristalsis, until it reaches the stomach.
    • This combination of muscle tissue allows peristalsis to push food downward, and aids in regurgitation at the pharynx.
  • Muscularis

    • The coordinated contractions of these layers is called peristalsis.
    • Between the two muscle layers is the myenteric or Auerbach's plexus, which controls peristalsis.
    • Peristaltic activity is regulated by these nerve  cells, and the rate of peristalsis can be modulated by the rest of the autonomic nervous system.
  • Gastrointestinal Reflex Pathways

    • The gastrocolic reflex is the physiological reflex controlling the motility, or peristalsis, of the gastrointestinal tract.
    • The gastrocolic reflex is one of a number of physiological reflexes controlling the motility, or peristalsis, of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Autonomic Interactions

  • Defecation Reflex

    • If this urge is not acted upon, the material in the rectum is often returned to the colon by reverse peristalsis where more water is absorbed, thus temporarily reducing pressure and stretching within the rectum.
  • Structure of the Lymphatic System

    • The lymphatic system is an active pumping system driven by segments that have a function similar to peristalsis.
  • Digestive System: Mouth and Stomach

    • The smooth muscles of the esophagus undergo a series of wave like movements called peristalsis that push the food toward the stomach .
    • The peristalsis wave is unidirectional: it moves food from the mouth to the stomach; reverse movement is not possible.
  • Types of Skeletal Systems

    • For example, earthworms move by waves of muscular contractions (peristalsis) of the skeletal muscle of the body wall hydrostatic skeleton, which alternately shorten and lengthen the body.
  • Histology of the Small Intestine

    • It is responsible for gut movement, or peristalsis.
  • Anatomy of the Small Intestine

    • Layers of circular and longitudinal smooth muscle enable the digested food to be pushed along the ileum by waves of muscle contractions called peristalsis.
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