peristalsis
/ˌpɛrɪˈstalsɪs
/noun [mass noun] Physiology
The involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements which push the contents of the canal forward.Yoga helps your body reabsorb and expel gas by stimulating peristalsis, the muscle contractions that eliminate waste....
- Waves of muscle contractions called peristalsis force food down through the esophagus to the stomach.
- The initial colonization of the walls of the ureter is in areas of turbulent flow which leads to paralysis of peristalsis.
Derivatives
peristaltic
/ adjective ...- He also suggested an expiratory wave of peristaltic smooth muscle contraction starting from the periphery to aid in exhalation.
- The normal esophagus responds immediately with a reflexive peristaltic contraction, a phenomenon called secondary peristalsis.
- Local stimulation by distension along the body of the esophagus will elicit a peristaltic wave at the stimulus site.
peristaltically
- The pharyngeal constrictors contract peristaltically as a unit.
- Yet another lineage originated, probably from peristaltically digging roundworms.
Origin
Mid 19th century: modern Latin, from Greek peristallein 'wrap around', from peri- 'around' + stallein 'to place'.