peristalsis

American  

[per-uh-stawl-sis, -stal-] / ˌpɛr əˈstɔl sɪs, -ˈstæl- /

noun

Physiology.

plural

peristalses

1. the progressive wave of contraction and relaxation of a tubular muscular system, especially the alimentary canal, by which the contents are forced through the system.

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peristalsis British  

/ ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs /

noun

1. physiol the succession of waves of involuntary muscular contraction of various bodily tubes, esp of the alimentary tract, where it effects transport of food and waste products

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peristalsis Scientific  

/ pĕr′ĭ-stôl′sĭs /

1. The wavelike muscular contractions in tubular structures, especially organs of the digestive system such as the esophagus and the intestines. Peristalsis is characterized by alternate contraction and relaxation, which pushes ingested food through the digestive tract towards its release at the anus. Worms propel themselves through peristaltic movement.

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peristalsis Cultural  

1. The wavelike, involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive system.

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Other Word Forms

• hyperperistalsis
  noun
• peristaltic
  adjective
• peristaltically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of peristalsis

1855–60; < New Latin < Greek peri- peri- + stálsis contraction, equivalent to stal- (variant stem of stéllein to set, bring together, compress) + -sis -sis

Explanation

Peristalsis is when certain muscles in the body automatically contract and relax. Humans undergo peristalsis when they digest food. Many different animals use peristalsis, mostly in the process of digestion, as food and liquid is pushed forward through their intestines. Earthworms use peristalsis to move across or through the ground. Peristalsis is most often used in the context of biology classes or medical terminology, and the word is Modern Latin. The Greek root is peristaltikos, "contracting around," which combines peri, "around," and stalsis, "checking or constriction."

Example Sentences

Peristalsis propels the bolus through the esophagus and toward the stomach.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Peristalsis is so powerful that foods and liquids you swallow enter your stomach even if you are standing on your head.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 23.5 Peristalsis Peristalsis moves food through the digestive tract with alternating waves of muscle contraction and relaxation.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Peristalsis is stimulated by the giving of water and fruit beverages as soon as it is advisable to give anything by mouth.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Proudfit, Fairfax T.

Peristalsis in the intestinal tract must be stimulated to facilitate a free flow of bile, which will not occur where the movements are sluggish.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Proudfit, Fairfax T.