peristalsis

peristalsis

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. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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peristalsis

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. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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

"peristalsis." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

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. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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

"peristalsis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

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. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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

DAVID A. BENDER. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

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. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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

MICHAEL ALLABY. "peristalsis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-peristalsis.html

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peristalsis

peristalsis see digestive system .

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"peristalsis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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

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peristalsis images
peristalsis. (Image by Malcolm Morley, GFDL)