PERISTALSES Meaning and
Definition
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Peristalsis is a biological process characterized by a rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle that lines the walls of various hollow organs within the body. The term primarily refers to the movement observed in the gastrointestinal tract, where it plays a crucial role in propelling food, liquids, and waste materials along the digestive system.
During peristalsis, the circular and longitudinal muscles of the affected organs work in a coordinated fashion to create a wave-like motion. This contraction and relaxation pattern allows the material within the organ to be pushed forward in a sequential manner. In the case of the digestive system, peristalsis facilitates the mixing of food with digestive enzymes and propels the resulting mixture through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, ultimately leading to waste elimination.
The process of peristalsis can also be observed in other hollow organs like the ureters (tubes that convey urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and the fallopian tubes (connecting the ovaries to the uterus). In such cases, peristalsis helps to move fluids and secretions through these structures.
Overall, peristalsis is a fundamental physiological process that ensures the efficient movement and transport of materials within various organs of the body. Its well-coordinated muscular contractions are essential for normal digestive, excretory, and reproductive functions.
Common Misspellings for PERISTALSES
Etymology of PERISTALSES
The word "peristalsis" is derived from the Greek words "peristaltikos" (περισταλτικός) and "peristellein" (περιστέλλειν). "Peristaltikos" means "contracting around" or "wrapping around", while "peristellein" means "to surround" or "to coil around". These Greek terms describe the characteristic muscular contractions in the intestines and other tubular organs that help propel substances along their respective pathways. Thus, the word "peristalsis" refers to the coordinated muscle contractions that produce wavelike movements facilitating the movement of food, fluids, or other substances through the digestive or excretory systems.
Similar spelling words for PERISTALSES
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