peristalsis

peristalsis definition - medical

per·i·stal·sis (pĕrˌĭ-stôlˈsĭs, -stălˈ-)

noun pl. per·i·stal·ses (-sēz)
The wavelike muscular contractions of the intestine or other tubular structure that propel the contents onward by alternate contraction and relaxation. Also called vermicular movement.

Related Forms:

  • perˌi·stalˈtic (-stôlˈtĭk, -stălˈ-) adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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