peristalsis (redirected from peristalses)

per·i·stal·sis  (pr-stôlss, -stl-)

n. pl. per·i·stal·ses (-sz)

The wavelike muscular contractions of the alimentary canal or other tubular structures by which contents are forced onward toward the opening.

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[New Latin, from Greek peristaltikos, peristaltic, from peristellein, to wrap around : peri-, peri- + stellein, to place; see stel- in Indo-European roots.]

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peri·staltic (-stôltk, -stl-) adj.

peri·stalti·cal·ly adv.

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peristalsis [per-riss-tal-siss, -seez]

Noun

pl -ses Physiol the wavelike involuntary muscular contractions of the walls of the digestive tract [Greek peri- around + stalsis compression]

peristaltic adj

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peristalsis  (pr-stôlss)

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

the process of contraction and relaxation by which products are moved through the alimentary canal. Cf. diastalsis. — peristaltic, adj.

See also: Bodily Functions

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

peristalsis - the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along vermiculation bodily function, bodily process, body process, activity - an organic process that takes place in the body; "respiratory activity" anastalsis - muscular action of the alimentary tract in a direction opposite to peristalsis