peristalsis

(noun)

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

Related Terms

(noun)

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

Related Terms

(noun)

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

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(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

Examples of peristalsis in the following topics:

  • Esophagus

    • The esophagus is a muscular tube that moves food from the pharynx to the stomach via peristalsis.
    • 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.

  • Characteristics of Muscle Tissue

    • It plays an important role in the regulation of flow in such tissues for example aiding the movement of food through the digestive system via peristalsis.

  • Brief Overview of Cranial Nerves

    • The vagus nerve (X): This is responsible for many tasks, including heart rate, gastrointestinal peristalsis, sweating, and muscle movements in the mouth, including speech and keeping the larynx open for breathing.

  • Vagus (X) Nerve

    • This means that the vagus nerve is responsible for such varied tasks as heart rate, gastrointestinal peristalsis, sweating, and quite a few muscle movements in the mouth, including speech (via the recurrent laryngeal nerve), swallowing, and keeping the larynx open for breathing (via action of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, the only abductor of the vocal folds).

  • Testes Ducts

    • The smooth muscle layer of the vas deferens contracts in waves of peristalsis during ejaculation.