Anatomy and Physiology

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peristalsis

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Copyright

peristalsis (pe-ri-stal-sis) n. a wavelike movement that progresses along some of the hollow muscular tubes of the body, such as the intestines. It occurs involuntarily, induced by distension of the walls of the tube. Alternate contraction and relaxation of the circular and longitudinal muscles tends to push the contents of the tube forward.
—peristaltic adj.

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"peristalsis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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peristalsis

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

peristalsis Series of wave-like movements that propel food through the gut or digestive tract. It is caused by contractions of the smooth involuntary muscle of the gut wall. The reverse process, antiperistalsis, produces vomiting.

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"peristalsis." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

peristalsis Waves of involuntary muscular contraction and relaxation that pass along the alimentary canal, forcing food contents along. It is brought about by contraction of the circular muscles of the gut wall in sequence.

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"peristalsis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition | 2005 | | Copyright

peristalsis The rhythmic alternating contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle that forces food through the intestinal tract in peristaltic waves.

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DAVID A. BENDER. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAVID A. BENDER. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-peristalsis.html

DAVID A. BENDER. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

peristalsis The rhythmic waves of muscular contraction by which matter is passed along the alimentary canal.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-peristalsis.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

peristalsis see digestive system .

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"peristalsis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-peristal.html

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