peristalsis
peristalsis
Definition
peri·stal·sis (per′ə stal′sis, -stôl′-)
noun pl. -·ses′--sēz′
the rhythmic, wavelike motion of the walls of the alimentary canal and certain other hollow organs, consisting of alternate contractions and dilations of transverse and longitudinal muscles that move the contents of the tube onward
Etymology: ModL < Gr peristaltikos < peristellein, to surround, involve < peri-, around + stellein, to place: for IE base see stalk
per′i·stal′·tic adjective
per′i·stal′·ti·cally adverb
peristalsis
Usage Examples
Converse of object
- stimulate: These products increase fecal volume in order to stimulate peristalsis.
- call: The food is moved along the small intestine by rhythmic movement of muscles called peristalsis.
- increase: Increased colonic peristalsis, and thus reduced bowel transit time, might partly explain the lower risk of colon cancer in active people.
- reduce: Activation of the autonomic nervous system also delays gastric emptying and reduces intestinal peristalsis.
- show: Transverse motility set showing peristalsis in the small bowel.
Preposition: in
- bowel: Transverse motility set showing peristalsis in the small bowel.
Adjective modifier
- natural: Nutritional Advice: A low fiber diet will hamper natural peristalsis.
- oesophageal: Many animals appear to drink, but although laryngeal movements are observed, they may not be followed by oesophageal peristalsis.
- intestinal: Activation of the autonomic nervous system also delays gastric emptying and reduces intestinal peristalsis.
- normal: Herbal laxatives such as aloes, cascara sagrada, rhubarb root, and senna are addictive and destructive to normal peristalsis.
Modifies a noun
- move: Waves of muscular contractions called peristalsis moves food along the digestive system.
Noun used with modifier
- increase: This in turn increases peristalsis and stool weight and reduces the transit time of the stool in through the bowel.
Browse dictionary entries near peristalsis
- perissodactyl
- perishable
- perish
- periscopic
- periscope
- perisarc
- perique
- periphyton
- periphrastic
- periphrasis
- peristome
- peristyle
- perithecium
- peritoneum
- peritonitis
- peritrichous
- peritus
- periwig
- periwinkle
- perjure
