peristaltic

(adjective)

of, or pertaining to the rhythmic, wave-like contraction of the digestive tract that forces food through it

Related Terms

Examples of peristaltic in the following topics:

  • Muscularis

    • The muscularis is responsible for segmental contractions and peristaltic movement in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
    • The muscularis externa is responsible for segmental contractions and peristaltic movement in the GI tract.
    • Peristaltic activity is regulated by these nerve  cells, and the rate of peristalsis can be modulated by the rest of the autonomic nervous system.

  • Defecation Reflex

    • The additional fecal material is stored in the colon until the next mass 'peristaltic' movement of the transverse and descending colon.
    • The rectum now contracts and shortens in peristaltic waves, thus forcing fecal material out of the rectum and out through the anal canal.

  • Elimination

    • The semi-solid waste is moved through the colon by peristaltic movements of the muscle and is stored in the rectum.
    • The solid waste is eliminated through the anus using peristaltic movements of the rectum.

  • Esophagus

    • In much of the gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscles contract in sequence to produce a peristaltic wave which forces a ball of food (called a bolus) from the pharynx to the stomach.

  • Anatomy of the Digestive System

    • Esophagus: the fibromuscular tube through which food passes, aided by peristaltic contractions, from the pharynx to the stomach.

  • Digestive System: Mouth and Stomach

    • The peristaltic movement of the esophagus is an involuntary reflex, taking place in response to the act of swallowing.
    • The esophagus transfers food from the mouth to the stomach through peristaltic movements.

  • Digestive System: Small and Large Intestines

    • The undigested food is sent from the ileum to the colon through the ileocecal valve via peristaltic movements of the muscle.
    • The feces are propelled using peristaltic movements during elimination.

  • Hormonal Responses to Food

    • A hormone called gastric inhibitory peptide is secreted by the small intestine to slow down the peristaltic movements of the intestine to allow fatty foods more time to be digested and absorbed.

  • Neural Responses to Food

    • Recall that the peristaltic movements of the esophagus and other organs of the digestive tract are under the control of the brain.

  • Digestion in the Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus

    • After it is swallowed, the chewed food is pushed down the esophagus to the stomach through peristaltic contraction of these muscles.