rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryperistalsisWave-like muscle movement
noun

peristalsis

per-ih-STAL-sis/ˌperɪˈstælsɪs/

Wave-like muscle contractions that move contents through a tubular organ.

Peristalsis pushes food along the intestine through traveling muscular contractions.

Three successive cutaway views of the same short intestinal segment show a muscular constriction traveling behind a food bolus and pushing it forward.
Etymology
periGreekaround, about
+stalsisGreekchecking, constriction

“Constriction around” describes the squeezing action of a hollow organ’s muscular wall. In digestion, that constriction travels in waves, moving the contents along the tract.

In context

Nuttall's Biology5:45
so peristalsis is a wave of contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract
Digestive System Part 1

More examples

  • Waves of peristalsis push food through the intestines.
  • Slow peristalsis can contribute to constipation.
  • The ureters use peristalsis to carry urine to the bladder.

Forms

peristaltic adjective — Relating to wave-like contractions in tubular organs.