per·i·stal·sis (p r  -stôl ss, -st l-)n. pl. per·i·stal·ses (-s  z) The wavelike muscular contractions of the alimentary canal or other tubular structures by which contents are forced onward toward the opening. [New Latin, from Greek peristaltikos, peristaltic, from peristellein, to wrap around : peri-, peri- + stellein, to place; see stel- in Indo-European roots.] per i·staltic (-stôltk, -stl-) adj.per i·stalti·cal·ly adv. |
peristalsis [ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs]
n pl -ses [-siːz]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) 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
[from New Latin, from peri- + Greek stalsis compression, from stellein to press together]
peristaltic adj
peristaltically adv
| 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. |
peristalsis
the process of contraction and relaxation by which products are moved through the alimentary canal. Cf. diastalsis. — peristaltic, adj.
See also: Bodily Functions
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | peristalsis - the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along 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 |
Translations
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