The rhythmic, wave-like contraction of the digestive tract that forces food through it
The process whereby an undulating surface takes up a fluid near the surface and drives it with the wave Many aquatic organisms swim by such mechanisms
the alternate contraction and relaxation of the walls of a tubular stucture by means of which its contensts are moved onward, characteristic of the intestinal trac, uterer, etc ; a milking action
A wave-like squeezing motion in a tube Food moves down the esophagus by peristalsis A mouse moves through a boa constrictor by peristalsis
wavelike contractions of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract; also, the wavelike contraction of the colon muscles that expel waste matter
the process of wave-like muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along
v to surround, involve the rhythmic, wavelike motion of the walls of the alimentary canal and certain other hollow organs
A wave of contraction passing along a tubular structure In the esophagus this wave is formed by a circumferential squeeze of its walls This squeeze propagates from below the pharynx to the stomach
natural contractions of the muscular walls of the bowel that move bowel contents forward
Progressive wavelike muscle contractions in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, and sometimes in the ureters and other hollow tubes. The waves can be short, local reflexes or long, continuous contractions along the length of the organ. In the esophagus, peristaltic waves push food into the stomach. In the stomach, they help mix stomach contents and propel food to the small intestine, where they expose food to the intestinal wall for absorption and move it forward. Peristalsis in the large intestine pushes waste toward the anal canal and is important in removing gas and dislodging potential bacterial colonies